How to respond to criticism at work over text
The best response to criticism holds two things at once: what's fair, and where you still stand your ground.
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Three ways to say it
“you're totally right and i'm so sorry, i should have caught that before sending it out, i'll definitely be more careful going forward and double check everything from now on”
Fair catch — I'll tighten my review process before sending things out going forward.
“i hear what you're saying about the timeline but i also want to mention that the scope changed twice last week which is part of why it slipped, not trying to make excuses though”
Fair on the timeline — though the scope changed twice last week, which was a factor too.
“i want to address what was said in the meeting earlier, i don't think that was the right setting for that feedback and i'd appreciate it being raised privately next time”
On the meeting comment — I'd rather get that kind of feedback privately next time.
“i understand your perspective but i actually don't agree with the feedback here, i made that call because of x and y and i still think it was the right approach given the constraints”
I hear you, but I don't agree — that call was made because of X and Y. Happy to walk through it.
Common questions
How to respond to criticism at work over text
The best response to criticism holds two things at once: what's fair, and where you still stand your ground.
What should I text when your manager flags something that's actually fair?
Fair catch — I'll tighten my review process before sending things out going forward.
What should I text when the criticism feels partly unfair?
Fair on the timeline — though the scope changed twice last week, which was a factor too.
What should I text when a coworker criticizes you in front of others?
On the meeting comment — I'd rather get that kind of feedback privately next time.
What should I text when you disagree with the criticism entirely?
I hear you, but I don't agree — that call was made because of X and Y. Happy to walk through it.