17/08/2025
I wanna share this story that I got it in my career path:
When praised, it’s okay to forget, but when criticized, you should remember.
In reality, learning from criticism helps you grow much faster than praise does.
Being criticized is uncomfortable—everyone feels that way. But if the criticism is reasonable and backed by evidence, it’s worth far more than polite compliments.
I’ve had many bosses, colleagues, and friends—some liked me, some didn’t. But the most memorable lessons came from those who “didn’t like me, weren’t satisfied, or disagreed.” Once, a Facebook friend (probably not too fond of me) commented: “Deep rivers flow quietly, ripe rice bows low.” At the time, it stung, but even now, that saying lingers in my mind. Every time I’m about to get cocky, it echoes like a mantra: “Deep rivers flow quietly, ripe rice bows low. Deep rivers flow quietly, ripe rice bows low.” By the third repetition, I can rein in my impulsive ego.
Once, when I was rushing to an interview, I stood right in front of the elevator door. A foreign woman stepped out and bluntly said, “First out, then in.” I was embarrassed and annoyed, and I even failed the interview. But from that day on, I always remember to step aside and let people exit the elevator first. “First out, then in.”
I also had a very strict boss who often scolded me and was quick to enforce discipline. Thanks to that, I learned to be organized, meticulous in my work, and clear in my planning.
Criticism, no matter who it comes from, I always reflect on: Is it right or wrong? Does the person criticizing me do better than I do? If it’s valid and they’re better at it, I quietly learn from it. That’s it.
I’ve never felt comfortable being criticized, but I definitely remember high-quality criticism for a long time. A few days ago, a student asked me how to choose a boss. I didn’t have anything grand to say, just this: Try to pick someone who might be harsh or scold you but will show you how to do better. (Usually, those kinds of people are hot-tempered and quick to anger, but their hearts are kind.)
Cited by Le Han Tue Lam post.
