Criticism, no matter how difficult it can be to give and receive, is often a major motivator of professional growth. Criticism: Giving and Taking offers proven strategies for giving valuable and productive feedback and encourages readers to use criticism to their advantage when they are on the receiving end.

At work, constructive criticism is an extremely valuable commodity. It’s so valuable, in fact, that companies often pay consultants for criticism. Following the advice in this booklet will help you become a more effective workplace critic, which will ultimately make you a more valuable and productive employee.

On the receiving end, it’s important to remember that critics are doing you a favor and that accepting criticism is not a sign of weakness. In the section on accepting criticism, you will learn to let go of your natural defensiveness so that you can get the most out of your next critique session.

If you are new to the workplace, this booklet offers an inside look at how professional feedback is actually delivered. Understanding this process will help you mentally prepare for the inevitable criticism you will face on the job.