How do you tend to react to feedback — both praise and criticism? Has that changed over time?

A natural way to answer

I've learned to separate the message from my ego, which took years, honestly. These days I try to treat criticism as useful data rather than a personal attack. With praise, I've got better at simply saying thank you instead of playing it down. Both have become much easier to take on board with experience.

Key phrases to use

• take it to heart — to be deeply affected or upset by something said about you“Don't take it to heart — he criticises everyone.”
• take on board — to accept and act on advice or information“I've taken your feedback on board.”
• licking my wounds — recovering quietly after a defeat or hurtful experience“After the rejection, I spent a day licking my wounds.”
• go to my head — to make you too proud or overconfident“A bit of success shouldn't go to your head.”