Imagine you are the person at the wrong end of a pie-throw booth in a funfair. Well, that's how a person who is on receiving end of a brutally honest feedback session would probably feel - like the whole world is throwing cream pastries on him or her. Criticism can be a bittersweet pill. It is both a method to see one's flaws and improve, or it can push one into a negative and defensive mode.

"I think acceptance of personal criticism is an essential part of self development and being able to automatically accept criticism is better than repeatedly rejecting it," says Regina Tay, human resources manager at Mount Alvernia Hospital. Tay believes that the best time for a person to improve is when he or she accepts that the person providing the opinion is not commenting on the behavioural aspects, rather, it's a feedback on performance. This HR professional sees constructive criticism as a way to improve one's work and reflect on how others see you. "An example of a bad reaction when receiving feedback is to walk off in mid-conversation. It provides the impression that you are too full of yourself that any advice to better your work is unthinkable," adds Tay.

From a PR perspective, Ronald Wong, vice-president & group manager of Fleishman-Hillard Singapore, says that employees should try to ask for objective rather than subjective points of improvement, and seek clarification on a mutually agreeable measure of progress or change. "It's also wise to repeat that you're always open to constructive criticism," advises Wong. This seasoned PR professional adds that the best way to accept criticism is to maintain composure and not to immediately put your guard up. "Accepting criticism can be an essential part of getting to know yourself and your own flaws. You can't possibly improve yourself if you don't even know your weaknesses," continues Wong.

Dr Bernie Siegel, author of How to Live Between Office Visits: A Guide to Life, Love and Health believes that a person who feels inadequate or imperfect will normally see criticism as a threat, and feels that he or she has to defend him or herself. "If you understand who you are and respect yourself, you will not see criticism as a problem but as an opportunity to become a better person," says Dr Siegel. He adds that when one is secure and realise that he or she is not perfect, one can listen to the criticism and consider its value," says Dr Siegel.

If you work in a busy environment,

• Try to take constructive feedback in the spirit it's intended. It's not a criticism of your personality but some thoughts on how things might be better approached
• Don't be afraid to ask for clarification and to say if you feel the criticism is unreasonable or unjustified
• Don't compare yourself and your achievements with others as a barometer of your own self-worth
• If you have to give someone feedback don't criticise them in front of others. Balance negative points with compliments and be clear about suggesting alternative ways of doing things
• Don't forget to praise yourself occasionally

BBC.co.uk, Healthy Living: Confidence in the Workplace