Engaging with critique is an invaluable skill that is relevant way beyond academia. They key is to never take it personal, otherwise one has lost the debate alr

Engaging with critique is an invaluable skill that is relevant way beyond academia. They key is to never take it personal, otherwise one has lost the debate already. Understanding the main angle of critique on the spot is hard enough, coming up with a rebuttal even harder, especially when the critique comes from a senior researcher. Accepting points of critique that are valid as opportunities to improve the research, or at least as limitations to the generality of the findings reported is highly valued. I always tended to think that a PhD is awarded for the ability to accept and counter critique towards work that one has spent years of their life with.