Observing and judging others is natural. When people praise, we consider them our well-wishers. No one enjoys the company of those always finding flaws.
Children can even dislike their parents or teachers criticising them. Children can assume their guardians do not love them but just love to criticise them overtly.
Whether it is from your parents, boss, colleagues, or friends, criticism hurts. Personal attacks can shake our confidence, humiliate us, and make us feel unworthy. Therefore, it is important that criticism is delivered, and in turn taken, in a positive way to help one improve and learn.
Constructive criticism helps underline mistakes with the intention of showing where and how things can be improved. It should also be taken as useful feedback that could help you excel. Even hostile criticism, which can be rooted in bitterness, jealousy or bigotry, can be channelised to make oneself stronger.
Technology has connected everyone and it is now easy to target people on social media. Therefore, handling criticism is now a life-skill more important than ever
Technology has enhanced the impact of criticism, given how connected everyone is and how easy it is to target people on social media. Therefore, dealing and handling criticism is now a life-skill more important than ever.
These are some useful techniques to make criticism constructive and productive.
- Consider It An Opportunity:
Whether it’s harsh feedback or an assignment that isn’t received as well as you thought it would be, all forms of criticism should be dealt with a positive mindset. Critique provides opening for growth and development. The moment after receiving criticism is when breakthroughs can happen. Instead of taking everything personally, ask yourself what you can learn, and listen objectively. Thinking honestly about your strengths and drawbacks would be helpful to take criticism productively. Don’t forget that diamonds are formed under pressure. Their beauty comes from friction.
- Silence Is An Ally
‘Take criticism seriously, but not personally.’ We humans can react emotionally, and even aggressively, when we receive tough feedback, which makes the situation worse — for ourselves more so than anyone else. To avoid aggravating matters one should choose to stay silent. Just focus on the bigger picture in any difficult situation and avoid being hard on yourself.
- Actively Seek Feedback That Helps You Grow
If you are taking things too personally then perhaps you fear repercussions. Instead of feeling threatened, you should be in control and avoid instinctive reactions. Stay calm and in your senses. You should not be overwhelmed and realise that you are not the only one trapped in a bad situation. Be polite and always choose a positive approach to deal with adversity. The best way to do that is to ask advice and seek feedback from those you trust. Ask others how they handle tough situations. Your friends can help you improve.
Don’t blindly incorporate everything you’re told to do. But channelising feedback, especially from those you trust, can help you formulate future strategies
- Use Feedbacks To Develop Future Strategies
Make a plan to work on those areas that have been highlighted in the criticisms. Make a to-do list and implement your plan in an organised way as soon as possible. This doesn’t mean blindly incorporating everything you’re told to do, but channelising feedback, especially from those you trust, can help you formulate future strategies for your personal betterment.
- Communicate With Your Critics
Interact with those who are criticising you, especially if it’s someone whose opinion you value, and brief them about the situation. Engage with them thoroughly so that you can make the most of the feedback. Accept their critique with positive words, especially if it’s someone willing to help you become a better version of yourself.
- Always Show Gratitude
Be flexible. Smiling always helps. No matter how hard the situation, never forget to thank those who have provided you the productive feedback — ideally with a smile. A smile helps create positivity and calmness like nothing else.
These are some of the ways that can help you move forward personally and professionally. Put your ego aside and let the construction work begin.