Constructive criticism is defined as well-informed, well-reasoned criticism that aids in improving your work. It might be difficult for employees to take criticism since it could make them uncomfortable. But you may improve your job and build stronger connections if you know Ways of Dealing with Criticism well, listen intently, and act on advice.
But you can stop the critics from ruining your magnificence with their remarks. Criticism may sometimes be a tool for improvement. Your ability to handle online and offline criticism will determine your personal and professional success. For further information on how to take criticism without losing confidence in yourself, keep reading the article.
Ways of Handling Criticism Like a Pro
1. Listen Actively
In order to answer correctly, active listening entails paying attention to what the other person is saying and is one of the most effective Ways of Dealing with Criticism. It helps in avoiding misunderstandings.
Repeating or rephrasing what you hear to get confirmation is a good way to practice active listening. Saying, “I hear you asking me to prioritize the editing tasks over starting the new batch of articles,” is one way you may answer. Is that accurate?
2. Regulate Your Emotions
Controlling your emotions is an answer to How to Handle Criticism. Before you answer, take the time to comprehend the input you’ve received.
You can regulate your facial expression and body language by doing this. To react and behave in a way that aligns with your objectives, you need to take a deep breath and pause to reflect.
You could need more time if you get unanticipated criticism. Before you talk about the topic any further, ask the individual involved if they could take a moment to think about it. Emotional regulation is a sign of maturity and professionalism.
3. Consider the Critic’s Intentions with Honesty
Since nobody is flawless, pay attention to the criticism with objectivity. Consider your advantages and disadvantages before responding to criticism so that you can see the differences. For example, you could be told to return to work or drink your tea quietly.
At first, such a statement can come out as aggressive. However, if you take a more optimistic view, you’ll see that the person could be addressing personal matters. This indicates that they do not see you negatively as a person. It is the best Way of Dealing with Criticism.
4. Be Open To Learning
Being receptive to new ideas and perspectives may significantly advance your professional and personal growth. When someone offers helpful criticism, actively listen to identify the points you agree and disagree with. Start a dialogue by addressing their critique with follow-up questions.
Former US President Bill Clinton said, “If you find something I’m doing wrong, tell me and we’ll fix it. And if I can’t fix it, we’ll get somebody else here who can.” This is one of the best Ways of Dealing with Criticism.
5. Understand If The Criticism is Valid
Criticism may be hurtful in life, but it can also have a valid point. Recall that criticism is merely a portion of your behavior and does not reflect on you.
It’s time to practice responding positively to criticism if your spouse is right. It doesn’t diminish you as a person to take criticism well. It may aid in your personal development.
If your lover merely offers you constructive criticism, put aside your feelings and accept it from the bottom of your heart since your partner loves you.
6. Consider The Criticism You Get And Provide A Kind Response
After that, give constructive criticism some thought. Refrain from taking offense, offering justifications, or defending your behavior. Rather, describe the changes you want to make and the steps you’ll take.
For instance, you may create reminders to check and reply to emails during the workday if your boss asks you to reply more quickly. It is one of the most effective Ways of Dealing with Criticism.
7. Ask For Clarification
When someone criticizes you, it may seem as if they are intentionally being cruel, but that may be how you take it, and, likely, they are not trying to harm you.
Finding out the truth about someone’s motivations might make you feel better about the criticism since it can be difficult to assume the best in others. Getting more information is one method to do that.
“What makes you say that?” or “Can you tell me a little more about why you see it that way?” are two possible questions to try. Perhaps your supervisor is criticizing everything you do, and they have a long list of remarks on your job presentation. You can even feel they’re criticizing you rather than your work.
However, if you probe them about their reasons for talking so much, they may explain that they think you have a lot of potential and want to teach you how to make the ideal presentation on your own.
8. Be Kind To Yourself
Giving yourself the same grace and compassion you would provide a friend in this circumstance is important since receiving criticism may seem very difficult, particularly if we internalize it.
When your best friend received a poor performance evaluation or was retweeted as a #cancelled celebrity on Twitter, you wouldn’t want them to wallow in self-pity for days. You could hug them and reassure them that things will work out even if they may have slipped up a little.
Place a palm on your heart or encircle yourself in a blanket burrito and offer consoling phrases such as, “I know you’re not happy right now, but you’re going to be OK.” It’s about taking care of yourself with self-care, just as you would a friend. You can make yourself some tea or read your favorite book.
9. Be Humble
Humility is an answer to How to Handle Criticism. Even if the speaker wasn’t very good at delivering the critique, show respect when they talk to you. Recall that you may apply some truth to your work, so try not to dismiss criticism based on how it was delivered.
Giving a modest answer might help you learn an important lesson and improve your bond with the other person. For instance, show humility by asking the coworker who provided the comments for suggestions on improving the situation.
Types of Criticism
Criticism may be divided into two primary categories: constructive and destructive. The critic’s aim is the primary distinction between helpful and harmful criticism.
Accepting constructive criticism may help you grow and learn from your errors. It intends to be of assistance to you. Conversely, hurtful criticism usually stems from an intention to do emotional harm.
Although both may hurt a little at first, studies have found that constructive criticism stands out because of three key elements:
- It’s sympathetic. While receiving criticism may be difficult, effective criticism emphasizes the acts rather than the person.
- It is special. The critique offers specific suggestions on how the individual might do better.
- There’s a match. It originates from a person the person respects. Additionally, the person is willing to make improvements to the activity.
Generally, constructive criticism guides how to improve and advance.
For instance, if your supervisor said, “I’ve noticed you’re having trouble meeting deadlines.” I’ve seen you perform excellently, so I know you take your work seriously. You might benefit from learning some time management techniques; don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it seems.
Why don’t you turn off your email alerts every day after lunch for the next week? I am aware that you can concentrate best in the afternoons. Focus on the tasks that are most essential to you at this time. If it doesn’t work, we’ll try another approach.
Take note of the presence of all three elements. The criticism is understanding, precise, and appropriate. The person will be able to improve with the support of specific action plans for future improvement.
Destructive criticism, on the other hand, would sound something like, “You missed your project deadline.” You’re not doing well at work. In actuality, hardly many managers provide feedback in this manner.
However, this would be depressing and useless if it occurred. They have attacked you personally and offered you no concrete advice on how to become better. Regardless of the nature, there are Ways of Dealing with Criticism.
FAQs
Q: What if someone always criticizes me in public to humiliate me?
A: Try to find out their point. Ask them to convey those criticisms personally to you.
Q: How do you deal with inaccurate criticism?
A: Let the speaker talk first. Listen carefully, and after they are done, use your logic and evidence to point out the unjustifications.
Q: What if someone can’t handle criticism?
A: Many can’t handle criticism. They are not ready to accept reality or aren’t mature enough to grow.
