Keep Your Cool When Getting Feedback

No one likes to hear that they aren't performing well. Yet, everyone
can improve. Next time you receive constructive feedback, do these
three things:

Relax. It's understandable to be nervous during a feedback
session. The other person holds all the power. Accept this imbalance
and be easy on yourself.
Expect to be surprised. You're likely to hear something that you
weren't aware of. Perhaps something was a bigger deal than you
thought, or something you thought was resolved wasn't.
Don't be defensive. Even if you disagree, hold your tongue.
Instead of defending yourself, ask questions. Once you've cooled down,
you can always follow up.