Sooner or later we all get it–criticism. Whether it is coming from our clients, our colleagues, or even from our friends or spouse/partner, we may feel our business skills or our home business operation is being called to the carpet and we are subjected to criticism. It may be nice and constructive, or it may be abrasive and downright mean-spirited, but we’re going to be criticized and we’ll have to figure out how to respond.
I think it helps if we are able to look at situations where criticism is being offered or shared as a lesson–an opportunity to grow and develop. It might be a chance to improve our business skills or our communication skills, or it might be an opportunity for personal growth and development. Regardless, facing criticism with an openness that comes with realizing it is an opportunity is one way to “make the most” of a tough situation.
It’s also important to NOT get defensive. Defensiveness never looks good when it appears in response to criticism. A challenging and belligerent customer may be completely out of line, but when we react with defensiveness, we lose our power and fall right into their hands. This certainly doesn’t mean that we have to meekly take whatever is dished our way like trembling little mice, but if we take the time to breathe, listen and formulate a calculated and non-defensive response, we’ll come off far better.
I like to think of learning to take criticism as becoming like a shock absorber–by staying calm and truly listening, we can absorb what we need to and distribute it–whether we need to formulate a response, or just let go of some of the unfounded critique, by being like a shock absorber instead of taking a defensive, deflective stance, we can get “something” out of the experience. Think about what you want to say, if anything. If the situation calls for a response, think carefully and use the opportunity to truly communicate and share your “side” of the situation. Whether the person offering criticism comes on board or not, at least you have participated in an authentic conversation.
Finally, take what you can get from criticism–some of it can actually be quite helpful. If you can, you can even thank the individual for taking the time to be so honest and direct with you and build a communication “bridge” instead of leaving things tense and uncomfortable. After you get what you can from the lesson, let the rest go. There is no need to hang on to unneeded criticism or comments from other people. Absorb what you can, react accordingly, and let the rest go!