How can you handle negative feedback or criticism of your Thought Leadership content online?

Feedback and criticism here are dependent on your mindset on this. Regulate your emotions, take this in a stride, and see past the initial upset or disappointment and focus on the message instead. Don't take this personally, and instead, see this as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. Obtaining feedback and inviting criticism and conflict is one of the most valuable methods for improving yourself and your process.

It helps to step back for a while before responding to negative feedback -- especially if that feedback has hit you in the feelings. Wait a bit until that first wave of emotion has passed, then look at the feedback analytically. Once you are able to be more objective, you might find a reason behind even the most biting criticism. And then you can respond with professional empathy.

Understanding who the feedback is coming from is crucial. Especially online, there are a lot of opinions, many of which aren't relevant and are sometimes clouded by jealously, envy or just personal issues by those providing feedback. If you don't know this person, don't know where they have gained their expertise or perspective, and don't understand why they would have an opinion on your thoughts, you need to quickly dismiss and move on from this feedback. Criticism can be helpful and is crucial in being better at self-reflection and growing, but the source of the feedback must be first carefully considered.

Regulate your emotions and be mindful that sometimes you need to cut your losses in the sense of accepting that the more polarised your opinions and content are, you will be resisted by 25% of your responses. Decide that these will never become part of your tribe, but deal with this logically. Look past the emotions this brings and fact-check these, as sometimes it can help remove bias or provide a fresh perspective.

Being able to back-up your claims with evidence is essential here. Otherwise, you're just opening yourself up and inviting negative feedback if your claims can't be substantiated. Opinions are one thing, but posting thoughts and content that is evidence-based will be a better position to deal with feedback later on. Be respectful and professional in all your dealings here and appreciate receiving both the positive and negative.

The whole idea here is an improvement, shifts, and inviting diverse perspectives. Your audience and support network are very valuable in the sense that their feedback can drive you forward, provide new ideas, challenge you, and help you remove biases. Shift your mentality on this and relabel this as a two-way relationships whereas instead of dictating and expecting approval and popularity, the whole point is to invite conversations, debates, and differing views.

The reality is that there will always be individuals who will be negative towards you regardless of your message. Known as "trolls," don't let these affect you and remove them from your view. Focus on the needs and pain points of your audience, and always add value in everything you do and everything you put out there. Help only one person and the whole journey is worth it.