French culture expects those receiving feedback to respond professionally—engaging substance rather than reacting emotionally, accepting valid points rather than becoming defensive, maintaining composure. This expectation applies broadly: students receiving grades, employees receiving reviews, professionals receiving critique.
When you receive feedback from French colleagues, the expected response is to hear it, understand it, and engage its substance. Emotional reaction or defensive response may be seen as inability to handle feedback appropriately. You can disagree with feedback and argue against it—that is legitimate engagement—but the response should address content, not express hurt feelings. Professional response is your part of the feedback exchange.
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