Six Steps to Handle Criticism in a Proper Way
2024-Apr-19 15:43
2024-Jul-14 00:18
Image from: Unsplash
There are two kinds of criticism: constructive and destructive. Learning how to deal with both types is an essential life skill.
Whether you like it or not, you will encounter criticism in your work or family life. It is crucial to professionally manage it to see its positive impact.
According to SkillsYouNeed, "Destructive criticism is often thoughtlessness by another person, but it can also be deliberately malicious and hurtful. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, is designed to point out your mistakes and show you where and how improvements can be made."
Take note that both types can challenge your character and ability. The key is never to respond in anger and to remain calm.
Here are the steps to handle criticisms, according to Indeed and Science of People:
1. Try to appreciate the intention
While it is not easy to take criticism, always try your best to thank someone who is giving you feedback. Acknowledge someone's honesty and delivery, especially if it is done with kindness.
While it is not easy to take criticism, always try your best to thank someone who is giving you feedback. Acknowledge someone's honesty and delivery, especially if it is done with kindness.
You may say these statements:
"I appreciate you bringing your concerns up with me. I know how challenging it can be to offer feedback."
"Thanks for your honesty. I appreciate the feedback."
"Thanks for your honesty. I appreciate the feedback."
2. Don't react immediately
Take a pause and understand the feedback before reacting because your immediate response can be defensive or angry.
Take a pause and understand the feedback before reacting because your immediate response can be defensive or angry.
Take your time whenever you receive unexpected criticism. Let the person involved know that you will absorb and reflect on what he or she said before discussing it further.
Always remind yourself that you are not perfect, and nobody is. That is why it is in your best interest to receive feedback from those who know you well.
3. Evaluate the feedback
Whenever you receive constructive criticism, pause and ask yourself these questions:
Whenever you receive constructive criticism, pause and ask yourself these questions:
Do I think what this person has said is true about me?
Do I agree that what they're suggesting is the best way to improve this aspect of myself?
Reflect on whether you think changes are needed in your work, attitude, and actions.
Do I agree that what they're suggesting is the best way to improve this aspect of myself?
Reflect on whether you think changes are needed in your work, attitude, and actions.
4. Be kind to yourself
There is always room for improvement, so take criticism lightly. Take it as a chance to learn and improve.
There is always room for improvement, so take criticism lightly. Take it as a chance to learn and improve.
Set your intention to deal with criticism gracefully.
5. Make changes
Try not to be defensive and plan how to implement those areas that need changes. Look for an accountability partner, such as a friend or family member, who knows your plan and will check in to see if you are consistent in moving toward your goals.
Try not to be defensive and plan how to implement those areas that need changes. Look for an accountability partner, such as a friend or family member, who knows your plan and will check in to see if you are consistent in moving toward your goals.
6. Try not to dwell on the feedback
While it is normal to replay the discussion in your mind and criticize your actions or decisions after receiving criticism, focus on your action plan to improve work quality instead of being distracted. Remember that mistakes are part of human nature. Take it as an opportunity to learn and improve yourself.
While it is normal to replay the discussion in your mind and criticize your actions or decisions after receiving criticism, focus on your action plan to improve work quality instead of being distracted. Remember that mistakes are part of human nature. Take it as an opportunity to learn and improve yourself.
As we learn to appreciate the intentions behind the critiques, control our immediate reactions, and evaluate feedback with an open mind, we pave the way for personal development. Being kind to ourselves amid criticism fosters resilience, allowing us to view each challenge as an opportunity to refine our skills. (KBAPI)