Experiencing negative feedback can feel devastating. Whether it comes from a boss or an employee, it can be demoralizing to hear that your work was not to the standards of another.

People tend to look at events in life through a single, self-revolving viewpoint. We interpret criticism as an attack on ourselves rather than an opportunity to improve. When you receive negative feedback, ask yourself, “Does this person want to hurt me? Or do they want to make me better through transparency?”

We all know that negative feedback isn’t always constructive. When should you take criticism to heart? And when should you recognize that it isn’t helpful and that you should ignore it? There is a fine line between constructive and destructive feedback and it’s important to understand which one you are hearing.

Could you use some advice on dealing with negative feedback? Check out these great testimonies from seasoned professionals on how they handle feedback in the work environment (presented in a wonderful infographic by Venngage).