Few of us look forward to a feedback appointment. Regardless of how solid we consider our work performance and efforts to be, the bottom-line is that we all have professional blind spots, and absolutely no one is exempt from negative feedback.

We’ve all been there, but ouch! Usually, it comes with a sting, tempting us to lash out in ways that aren’t professional or more importantly, gyp us of the great opportunity for growth that it actually is.

As an HR strategist and leadership coach, growth — both personally and professionally — is one of the topics I’m most vested in. It seems in life that the moments we find ourselves in situations that nudge us beyond our comfort zones are preludes to growth. Your performance review that didn’t go so great is no exception.

I’ve compiled a few tips to handle negative feedback based on common reactions and ultimate outcomes I’ve seen over the years as a manager and coach myself. In my experience, when taken in the right stride, with the right intentions, and with a conscious attitude, many people experience negative feedback as an awesome catalyst to stepping up their games.

Here’s what you should watch out for: