It’s nice to be told how good we are at something, but resting on your laurels won’t move you forward. Of course, it’s important to keep doing the right things well, but if we want to improve we also need to be told what we can do better.

People are often so apologetic when they offer criticism, and even hold themselves back when they want to do so. But constructive insights from a trusted colleague who can offer a different, objective, perspective, can be invaluable.

Let people tell you what you are doing wrong, or could do better, without taking offence. Recognise their motivation, offering you a valuable gift, and encourage them to open up and not hold back.

Criticism doesn’t necessarily mean you have to change what you’re doing, it’s one person’s opinion after all, but it does give you an opportunity to reflect, assess and plot a route forward. Without it, you can happily plough the same furrow, but are you going to reach your full potential?