How to Use Criticism to Your Advantage
Dealing with criticism is rarely easy or pleasant. Some people are good at giving criticism, while others can be quite abrasive; some offer it in order to make you better (like your coach or manager), while others use it to put you down. No matter how you find yourself receiving criticism, it is important to accept all feedback with grace.
Accepting criticism gracefully isn’t always an easy feat. In most cases it takes an active, conscious shift in your attitude, but no matter how difficult or easy, getting yourself in an open state of mind will allow you to become open to really hear and internalize what the criticizer is telling you. The important thing to remember is that they are seeing something you don’t. No matter how often we look we will never to able to see all flaws or needed areas of improvement within ourselves, so take this feedback as a positive. This is not to say that every person’s feedback needs to be taken to heart. Even if you find yourself receiving, what you consider, unfair or inaccurate criticism always attempt to find the truth in what this person has said; you may realize that there is some validity in their concern(s). ALWAYS thank everyone for their observation, good, bad or otherwise and take a minute or two to contemplate the message they were trying to convey to you. Should this feedback leave you feeling discouraged, DON’T…Brainstorm and write down 3 specific actions you can take to improve upon the issue at hand. Coming up with an action-base plan will allow you to feel empowered and turn what may seem like dispiriting criticism into an opportunity to improve. Take this process one step further by sharing your plan with your coach, a manager, or a trusted colleague. Sharing your plan adds an extra level of accountability to ensure that you act upon your plan.
Handling criticism isn't always easy, but it can always be helpful if taken with the right attitude and perspective. Next time you are in the hot seat, don't get defensive, but rather remember that criticism is one of the most effective learning strategies out there, so take advantage of this free feedback.
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