How to Handle Criticism!
At some point in your life you will be criticised, perhaps in a professional way. Sometimes it will be difficult to accept – but that all depends on your reaction.?
You can either use criticism in a positive way to improve, or in a negative way that can lower your self-esteem and cause stress, anger or even aggression.
It can take a lot of time and energy to convince yourself that you’re awesome — so how do we avoid letting people infiltrate that awesomeness with a flying knee to your self-worth? And how do we use it to get better?
Being alive in 2022 means getting hit by wave after wave of criticism, both online and off — as anyone who has ever left themselves at the mercy of a YouTube comments section or a Twitter pile-on will be able to testify.
However, naysayers are essential. Both personal and professional success depend on being able to take criticism in your stride. The ability to hear and truly listen to people’s opinions, even when they’re negative, improves relationships, academic performance, and negotiating abilities.
Plus, if you can learn to put aside your ego and use even harsh criticism to get better, you’ll have a powerful tool that can propel you forward personally and professionally.
In this article, we give you the low-down on how to handle what others have to say without wanting to hide in a corner or knock someone out.
Any time someone gives you criticism, they’re evaluating you against specific standards, whether it’s their own or those of an organization, such as a place of work. Many students and employees associate the word “criticism” exclusively with negative feedback, which is not the case.
There are lots of reasons people offer criticism.
Negative motivations for criticism might include feeling jealous or insecure in a romantic or family relationship, such as a father criticizing his kids for never calling home. Others may criticize you out of sheer resentment — ever been on social media? Yeah, that.
But not all criticism is bad news, bears. If you have any rapper friends relentlessly playing their dreadful mixtape at people, you’ll be well aware that letting them know that their vocab is limited or their choice of beats ill-advised are the first steps to sparing them from future embarrassment.
And while the word “criticism” may see more frequent use when discussing negative evaluations, not all criticism comes with bad intentions — even when it highlights mistakes and failures. That’s because people give certain kinds of criticism to help. This is known as constructive criticism.
Listen honestly for a critic’s intention
Many people get defensive at the mere possibility of negative feedback. But no one’s perfect. It’s okay to think about your strengths and weaknesses.
When you’re about to receive either type of feedback, approach the situation with an open mind, so you can understand the difference.
For example, “Hey, are you able to eat in a different room or chew more quietly at your desk?” may seem confrontational at first. But it may just be someone trying to deal with their own distractions and self-improve.
And, to be honest, you didn’t have to set up an actual microwave next to your sticky notes.
Decide if feedback is constructive or destructive
Think about whether feedback is coming from someone who cares about you, references an area you want to improve in, or specifies how to get better.
Thank those who offer constructive criticism
People who provide you with helpful feedback want you to achieve your goals. Even if it hurts to hear what you did wrong, remember their intentions, and thank the person who gave you constructive criticism for being an ally.
Avoid exploding in the face of constructive criticism
The Roman philosopher Seneca compared anger to “a falling rock which breaks itself to pieces upon the very thing it crushes.” Even if the criticism is obviously mean-spirited, you’ll regret giving in to your anger and saying something deliberately hurtful in response.
Silencing the critics
As with any skill or personality trait, getting it to stick takes time and practice.
You won’t immediately bat away the next piece of destructive criticism you receive without taking it to heart, and you might still jump to conclusions the next time someone lets you know where you’re putting a foot wrong.
You can nip any potential ill feeling in the bud before criticism even arrives.
Bottom line
The keys to successfully handling criticism are:
Credit: https://greatist.com/happiness/how-handle-criticism-pro#tl-dr