DEAL WITH CRITICISM

DEAL WITH CRITICISM

1. LISTEN IMPARTIALLY
Not showing any negative or defensive emotions when listening will stop you appearing vulnerable or fragile.

2. SUMMARIZE WHAT THE OTHER PERSON HAS SAID
This means you have understood them correctly and also that you have taken it all in.

3. ASK QUESTIONS
The more specific the criticism the more helpful. Find out what you did and when that gave them their impression. This will mean you will not make the same mistake again.

4. CRITICISM IS RARELY GROUNDLESS BUT OFTEN EXAGGERATED
Decide which elements are useful and what you can do differently to be more effective.

5. THINK ABOUT HOW THE PERSON WHO CRITICIZES YOU LOOKS AT THE WORLD
Could they have been trying to help? Are they under pressure themselves? Think about why they have these views about you. This could give you some useful self-awareness.

6. ASK THOSE WHO CRITICIZE YOU FOR THEIR ADVICE
By making them part of the solution they are less likely to criticise you in the future.

7. THANK PEOPLE WHO CRITICIZE YOU
Not only have they given you free information but you will also disarm them.

8. REFRAME CRITICISM WHICH FOCUSES ON WHAT WENT BADLY
Consider what positive steps you can take to improve in the future and what you have learnt from not succeeding.

9. IF YOU ARE ANGRY, TAKE IT OUT ON SOMETHING , NOT SOMEONE
It is understandable to be annoyed but not very useful.

10. PRAISE OTHERS FOR WHAT THEY ARE DOING WELL
It will give you the moral high ground and make you popular (as well as reinforcing productive behaviour).