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Oct.15th
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Microlesson Title

Facing Criticism

Pillar

Versions

  • All Employees (3 min)

Microlesson Experts

Janine Yancey
Janine YanceyEmtrain Founder & Employment Law Expert
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Microlesson

Facing Criticism at Work

Facing Criticism
Inclusion
all

Managing Emotions and Learning from Feedback

Criticism is part of professional growth, but without the right mindset, it can feel personal and discouraging. Poor reactions often strain relationships and slow development. This microlesson provides skills training to help employees face criticism constructively, apply feedback, and maintain positive workplace interactions.

Microlesson Description

This microlesson aims to equip employees with the skills to handle constructive criticism effectively. It provides learners with valuable tools to manage their emotions in such situations and emphasizes the importance of accepting feedback and using it as a catalyst for personal growth. Use this microlesson to turn workplace culture missteps to learning opportunities.

Facing Criticism is one of three microlessons in our new Inclusive Language series. It partners well with the microlessons Inclusive Language Creates Belonging, and The Principles of Inclusive Language. The lessons are also available as a full course, Inclusive Language Training, which contains an additional lesson.

Key Concepts

  • It can be frustrating to work in a changing workplace
  • It takes courage to confront non-inclusive language or behaviors
  • Take care to manage your emotions before responding to criticism
  • Correct mistakes as soon as you become aware of them

Microlesson Features

  • Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
  • Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.
  • Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
  • A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.
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How to Use this Lesson

Each Emtrain microlesson blends real-world video scenarios, interactive surveys, and expert insights to build stronger workplace skills. Learners gain practical actions they can apply right away, while HR leaders see measurable insights into team behaviors. And with every training plan, you get access to all 90+ microlessons across communication, inclusion, compliance, and leadership.

Teach

Learn through real-world examples and instructional content that highlight the do’s and don’ts of workplace interactions. Employees explore key concepts, see how different situations play out, and discover practical ways to build stronger, more respectful connections.

Take a free preview of this microlesson now — no obligation.

Discover

Go beyond training with Emtrain Intelligence. Embedded surveys capture employee experiences and provide benchmarks so you can understand how your team compares to global peers.

Try it now and see how Emtrain Intelligence works with this lesson.

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Apply It - Take Action

Turn insights into action with clear steps for improving workplace habits. Learners walk away with practical guidance to apply immediately, while HR leaders gain data to support ongoing culture improvements.

Preview this lesson now to see the actions your team can take to make in impact — free access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions that employees and managers have about this topic. These FAQs provide a preview of what you’ll learn in this microlesson and why it matters.

Q
Why do employees often respond poorly to criticism?
Employees often respond poorly to criticism due to ego, fear of failure, or lack of training in handling feedback constructively.
Q
How can defensiveness harm inclusion efforts?
Defensiveness harms inclusion efforts by shutting down dialogue, making others hesitant to speak up, and preventing learning or growth.
Q
What risks arise if employees dismiss feedback on non-inclusive behavior?
If employees dismiss feedback on non-inclusive behavior, risks include repeated harm, damaged trust, and compliance issues if inappropriate behavior continues.
Q
How can managers model healthy responses to criticism?
Managers can model healthy responses to criticism by receiving feedback openly, thanking employees for honesty, and showing visible improvement in response.
Q
Why is openness to feedback essential for workplace growth?
Openness to feedback is essential for workplace growth because it drives continuous improvement, reduces blind spots, and reinforces a culture of accountability.

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