When you’re looking for feedback on your performance, it’s critical that you know your critics and know your fans.
That’s going to temper your questions and your results.
If you’re looking for some praise to raise your spirits, then you’re going to want to go to your pool of “encouragers.” (The Career Encouragement Blog advises that part of retaining your sanity is knowing who these people are.)
It’s also important to know your critics. Because–even if they are full of bile–they likely have views that should be taken to heart. At times, the critics may actually be more honest than your fans. At the very least, they’ll get you thinking. And sometimes, you’re just feeling so invincible, it’s good to get a reality check.
Most of the time, however, you’re going to want a mix of fans and critics.
But before you can do that, you’re going to need to know who they are.
Time to start making a list.
More than a living 
Thanks for sharing The Career Encouragement blog. Great point about knowing your critics as well as your encouragers!
Keep your friends close… and whatnot.
Sometimes, I think we have a tendency to shy away from the actual criticism. When, in actuality, the critics may help us better focus our efforts.
Not that you have to go looking for a brow beating. But once in a while, it’s worth the risk.