How to Handle Rude Comments Like a Pro ??
Selena Rezvani (she/her)
Speaker: Leadership & Self-Advocacy | WSJ Bestselling Author of Quick Confidence | TED-Xer | Fast Co Top Career Creator | Thinkers50 Radar Awardee | Rated by Forbes "the premier expert on advocating for yourself at work"
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Ah... the joys of climbing??the corporate ladder.
Picture this: I was in my twenties, feeling absolutely pumped after being promoted to Senior Project Manager. I had really made an effort to be more vocal and proactive, so this promotion felt especially hard-earned. I was basking in some kind comments from colleagues when—boom—a guy from another department casually dropped, “I guess they’re handing those out to everyone now!”
Ouch. Thanks for that uplifting comment, right?
In that moment, I froze. I felt my shoulders sink and I stayed silent. That little jab stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk. I found myself replaying his words over and over, like a broken record, which—surprise, surprise—only made me feel worse. And it’s not just me; research shows that ruminating on negative comments can raise stress levels, zap confidence, and even increase blood pressure.
So, what’s the antidote? Standing up for ourselves! Of course, it may not fully fix the situation or make the offender “see the light,” but it’s a powerful way to reclaim your confidence and remind the world (and yourself) of your worth.
Whether it’s a backhanded compliment or a dismissive comment, we all encounter rude remarks at work. And when we’re not equipped to respond, those small digs can easily knock us off our game. So, the next time someone tries to rain on your parade, try one of these strategies for handling the situation with confidence and grace:
领英推荐
Quick Confidence Tips to Handle Rude Comments with Class:
Resilience is built one moment and one situation at a time, so continue practicing these skills. Every time you stand up for yourself, you reinforce your self-worth, setting the standard for how others should treat you.?
And don’t forget to celebrate these moments of assertiveness—they're powerful steps on your confidence journey!
How do you typically respond when someone throws a rude comment your way? Share your strategies or experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear what works for you!
In this snackable Nano Tips for Communicating with Confidence course, I share how to ensure your voice is fully heard in any situation. You’ll discover words that elevate your presence and three practical shifts to become more assertive. Plus, you'll learn strategies for handling over-talkers, disagreements, overthinking, overexplaining, workplace conflict, and even being overworked! As a LinkedIn Learning author, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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4 周??
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in performing multiple office administrative tasks
1 个月Thank you for this-it is very helpful!
Business Development | Project Management | Construction Management | ToT | PPP | BOT | ROOT | REIT | Bidding & Proposal Specialist
1 个月Great advice! but what if such bad comments are a routine from your boss. How to handle him?
Project Manager at Fortrea
1 个月Love this! Great advice!
Licensed Practical Nurse, SC Referrals Specialist and Company Liaison at Concentra
1 个月Great advice. Responding to rude comments can be difficult. The respectful replies win, everytime!