What’s the Secret to Handling Criticism Without Taking It Personally?
Sony John Bronzon, CPTD
Head of Training @ ALLON Training and Consulting | Developing Talent with Expertise
"How come you guys smell like curry all the time?"
A rather blunt but friendly "feedback" offered by one of my American clients when I was deputed for a project assignment in the USA. I laughed it off nervously with a weak come back "That's my Indian perfume I put on so that I don't miss home!" We all had a hearty laugh, and moved on with other conversations that Friday evening during the Happy Hours.
Truth be told - That kinda stuck and sucked.
Realizing you’ve been serving "curry" aroma inside a closed room with other important dignitaries for 4 hours (Yikes!) must have been a blow to the nose for my clients (literally).
Criticism is a natural part of professional growth
OK - So that's handed to me. Blunt. Now what?
I decided to sift through the mental chatter and emerged with this.
Wear your mindset of turning this pointed feedback into an improvement opportunity
But ... how?
1. Reframe Criticism as Growth
Instead of seeing feedback as an attack, think of it as Yoda-level coaching to help you improve. Ask yourself: “How can this help me level up?”
2. Separate the Message from the Messenger
Not all critics are Dumbledore-dispensing wisdom. Some just lack tact. Focus on what’s being said, not how it’s delivered.
领英推荐
3. Pause Before Reacting
Before you go full meltdown mode and “take it personally,” take a breath - a deep one.
Say, “Thanks for your feedback. Let me process this.”
You’ll look calm, composed, and possibly like a Shaolin in training.
4. Ask for Clarity
Vague criticism? Don’t assume the worst like a rom-com protagonist.
Ask: “Can you give an example?” or “What’s one way I can improve?”
5. Differentiate Useful vs. Useless Criticism
Constructive feedback helps you grow. Destructive feedback is just someone playing the villain in your biopic. Ignore it and focus on what actually helps.
Final Thought: Turn Criticism into Strength
Your career will be shaped by how you handle feedback. Channel your inner "Rocky" — take the hits, keep moving forward, and improve with each round.
?? How do you handle criticism? Drop a comment! ?? 30 seconds is all it takes to share your wisdom with the world!
P.S. Here's how my story ended by the way. Learning: I didn't know that if you cook with your wardrobe doors and bedrooms open, curry oil fumes stick to your dress and you walk like the ambassador of your nicely cooked meal. (Don't even get me started on when I fried fish one time!)
?? Helping You Heal, Rise & Thrive Like a Phoenix ?? ICF-Certified Life Coach | NLP | Inner Child Healing Therapist | Mindfulness Practitioner ?? Shift from Trauma to Power | Find Your Purpose
1 个月Great message, Sony! And you brought me some good old US memories of the "curry" perfume I used to wear while I rushed to two schools to pick up my kids in between cooking with a pregnant belly.
Helping Single Moms Achieve Financial Independence & Emotional Healing | Empathetic Leadership Trainer | Providing LGBTQIA+ inclusive coaching ?????
1 个月As we can't change the way how people communicate, we change the way we respond to those feedbacks. Our Mental Health is important to us, may not be to all those who speak to us. So prioritize Yourself. Thanks for such insightful sharing Sony John Bronzon, CPTD ????
Head of Training @ ALLON Training and Consulting | Developing Talent with Expertise
1 个月... and, that's the last time I'll ever cook at home with my bedroom and wardrobe door open....! #LessonsLearnt
Clinical Dermatologist|Dermatosurgeon|Healthcare Quality Systems Coach|NABH Assessor
1 个月Separate the message from the messenger.. Often we tend to add our own baggage to the message Good one Sony