In HR Communication, Don't Listen to Critics

Mar 16

The artist doesn’t have time to listen to the critics. The ones who want to be writers read the reviews, the ones who want to write don’t have the time to read reviews. — William Faulkner

The time to do the right thing is all the time. Sure, there will be critics out there if you’re trying to change the world. It’s the easiest thing in the world to be a critic; it’s entirely another thing to be a creative.

Here’s something I know about communicating with employees: Don’t think that just because a handful people complained your communication approach is flawed. People always complain and they always criticize. Realize that their criticism doesn’t trump the thousands of people who liked what you did but stayed quiet. If you’re doing the right thing — keep going. If not — fix it. And keep writing.

About the Author
Frank Roche

Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.

Share this post

Comments

  1. Ron Ulrici says:

    Frank, I think that goes for all things in life – if you are doing the right thing… keep going and don’t look back.

  2. Bill Strahan says:

    They can’t have a complaint if they haven’t read it. Complaints are just another way to say “thank you for communicating”!

    • Frank Roche says:

      Thank you for communicating. That would be a good post. Yep, any feedback is feedback. I guess what I meant to write is this: Don’t attach over-importance to complaints. They’re just feedback…and they don’t always have to be responded to.

Leave a Reply

 
  • About KnowHR

    KnowHR serves up straight talk about human resources, communication and technology. Our goal is to help you make work better. Brought to you by IFRACTAL.

  • Featured Product

  • Sign up for KnowHR

    Want to receive KnowHR via email? Sign up now for our weekly KnowHR Newsletter.

  • Social Media

    • twitter
    • Facebook
    • Flickr
    • tumblr
    • youtube
    • vimeo
    • linkedin
  • Flickr

    • Bethany at IFRACTAL uses the Labyrinth as inspiration to practice contact juggling with an orange
    • We ring in success with the IFRACTAL cow bell
    • Charlie at IFRACTAL is suspended in midair above Chicago at the Sears Tower
    • Sarah at IFRACTAL has a thing for Pringles
    • Andy at IFRACTAL is pumped up for work this Monday
    • Farewell to Steve and Zack, the IFRACTAL interns!
    • Steph and Jess at IFRACTAL kicking it with Spiderman!
    • Furley working up a sweat at IFRACTAL
    • Pat at IFRACTAL says "Hail to the victors valiant!" #mgoblue
    • Shanna's accessories are nerfing to joke about at IFRACTAL!
    • Pat's a sweetheart, but she sure whips up some mean lunches in the IFRACTAL kitchen
    • Jess and Steve scream for ice cream at IFRACTAL!
    • Shanna at IFRACTAL is pretty in pink, pretty badass that is!
    • We know about presentation at IFRACTAL
    • Charlie in his new Do-Rag is handling business at IFRACTAL
    • Frank and Jess at IFRACTAL fall victim to a Candy Coma