1. Pause. Breathe. Acknowledge that It's a "feeling" and name it. Reflect on the reasons for that feeling. Is there an assumption/belief behind that feeling? 2. Change the narrative. Is there a different assumption that will help you see it in a different light. 3. Seek clarity and bust the assumption--belief--feeling if it helps. 4. What is the 'intent' for feedback? Understand and explore perspectives. 5. How will it help you if you worked on the feedback? If it is going to help you grow, It's gift :) Take it and identify next steps and take action. Most often we consider feedback as 'not a good thing', I have learned that, it often comes at a point where you are just one step short, in your personal growth ladder.

Emotional intelligence is crucial for navigating personal feedback effectively. To improve, take a moment to process the feedback, avoid defensiveness, seek clarity, recognize the value of the feedback, manage emotions, show gratitude, and follow up with constructive action. Focus on understanding the other person's perspective, ask for specific examples, and acknowledge the constructive elements within the feedback. This approach helps in fostering growth and understanding in the conversation.

Exhibit growth mindset and acknowledge the emotions calmly in a reflective way not being reactive immediately while you separate feel and fact to process objectively and thoughtfully. Pat yourself that no one is perfect so challenge to redirect the feedback for a brighter tomorrow instead of feeling down about one's worthiness.

Receiving personal feedback can indeed be challenging, but it presents a unique opportunity for growth when approached with emotional intelligence (EQ). By recognizing and managing your emotional responses, you can transform feedback into a catalyst for personal and professional development. This involves active listening, empathy, and self-reflection, allowing you to discern constructive criticism from emotional triggers. In the fast-paced world of media and emerging technologies, honing these skills not only enhances your leadership capabilities but also fosters a culture of open communication and continuous improvement within your organization. Embrace feedback as a stepping stone toward greater resilience and adaptability.

I know from experience that personal feedback can trigger defensiveness, but using emotional intelligence transforms it into growth. Instead of reacting, pause to reflect. Asking for specific examples shifts the focus from emotions to actionable insights. Viewing criticism, as challenging as it seems, as a tool for improvement showcases your resilience and commitment to development.