SMART STRATEGY
LEARN TO STOMACH CRITICISM
Ragini Gulati
Criticism or negative feedback is an inevitable part of our
professional as well as personal life.
All of us loathe being made aware of our shortcomings or
told that we are doing something wrong.
Responding to criticism without careful consideration often
leads to unnecessary suffering and frustration.
Since we have to face
criticism at various stages, learning how to handle it effectively is very
essential. Here below are a few tips to handle criticism objectively at
workplace:
Don’t let emotions take over. Although easier said than
done, it is essential to keep one’s feelings under control while dealing with
harsh criticism. The more emotional we get, more limited our thinking and
questionable our reactions become. When you receive criticism try to listen
carefully to what is said without getting emotional or responding defensively.
Make an attempt to focus on the facts rather than the
feelings that are evoked on an evolution of your performance.
Instead of getting upset stay analytical to avoid missing
out on critical points and repeating the same mistakes.
Most critics will take it positively and appreciate that at
least their comments are being heard. It will shorten the discussion which
otherwise could drag forever and take all possible directions.
Ignore false criticism
Prior to reacting or taking any step one must differentiate
between positive and negative criticism. More than often people criticize
others simply because they have nothing better to do with their time.
Such criticism is not only unjustified and baseless but also
useless to the recipient. The best option to deal with negative criticism is to
remain aloof and completely ignore.
By remaining silent and detached the efforts of the critic
will go in vain, dissuading him or her from being vindictive in future.
On the other hand, positive criticism is the one in which
individual explain their point of view and actually want to see an improvement.
Consider the feedback objectively, taking it as an opportunity to improve and
grow.
Get concrete details
Criticism is futile unless there is exchange of information
on the changes that need to be brought about. Whenever you are criticized, make
sure that you are aware of what exactly needs to be corrected. Ask the critic
questions on how you could have done things differently and better.
Try to get practical and concrete details about what went
wrong so as to resolve the criticism amiably. In fact, if possible request the
critic to put the recommendations in writing since verbal criticism is often
full of holes and poorly thought out.
By opening channels, a potential conflict can be turned into
a valuable relationship.
Learn
Listening to something does not help unless we are willing
to accept and eventually act upon it. Take criticism as a challenge and a
chance to change your way, adjust your communication and become stronger as a
professional.
Allow yourself to learn from such responses by identifying
your strong and weak points.
Unfortunately, majority of people have negative connotations
about the word, “criticism” and choose to ignore it.
They fail to realize someone else could have better
suggestions and that they cannot be always right.
However, by doing so they lose the opportunity to learn and
grow in their professional lives. Moreover, one must remember that most
criticism is based, at least in part, on some truth.
Let go
Althogh it may be difficult to shake off criticism one must
realize that obsessing over it will not help. Criticism should not be allowed
to lower your self-esteem or slow down the pace of work.
Rather than taking it to heart make amends, learn from the
mistake and stride forward. Continue striving for your goals, with full
dedication and persistence, to achieve to what you set out to do.
Most importantly, never let criticism decide what you want
to do next, or give up something completely.
Don’t hold grudges
Since criticism points out our limitations it is not only
makes us feel vulnerable but also defensive towards the critic. However, we
should not forget that the supervisor or colleague is just doing their job and
there is no personal enmity involved.
As a consequence, instead of sulking or blaming the critic
accept the criticism with grace and excellence.
IN FACT, thank the person for the feedback and make him
realize that you consider his view point valuable.
HOLDING grudges for criticism negatively impacts the
relationship with the individual both professionally and personally.
Source: Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, December 21, 2011
