Nobody likes being criticized but, unfortunately it is a fact of life. Haters Everywhere! No matter what you do these days, there always seems to be someone somewhere who isn't satisfied. Critics can make you or break you. If we respond to criticism without careful consideration, it can easily lead to unnecessary suffering.
These days we concentrate too much on the person giving the criticism rather than the merit behind their comments. We need to learn how to frame negative feedback so it comes across as constructive rather than malicious. I think there can be much to learn from what people say about us. The trick is learning the balance, when to listen ,respond and what to do with a critics comments.
1) Don't take it personally:
This is often the biggest problem which occurs with regards to criticism. If i criticize my friend's makeup, she feels personally offended. But, it is a mistake to identify ourselves with a professional makeup artist. Somebody may find good reason why our makeup is bad; but this does not mean they are criticizing ourselves. When people criticize us directly, we should feel they are not criticizing our real self; but just an unillumined aspect of ourselves. When we criticize others, we are perhaps criticizing their pride or jealousy; but, the jealousy is mere passing emotion, it is not the real person.
2) What can we learn from criticism?
Through criticism we have the opportunity to learn and improve from people's suggestions. Most criticism is probably based, at least in part, on some truths.
3) Value criticism:
The problems is that quite often, we only value praise. When people speak kind words we feel happy, when people criticize we feel miserable. Fine we are human and it is bond to happen. However, if we only received insincere praise and false flattery, how would we ever make progress? If we wish to develop and improve we should invite constructive criticism and appreciate their suggestions.
4) Ignore false criticism:
Sometimes we are criticized with no justification. It's a painful experience. But we can deal with it more easily than criticism which is justified. We should feel that false criticism is as insignificant as an ant trying to harm an elephant. It is best we ignore such criticism completely. By remaining silent we maintain a dignity that others will come to respect.
5) Respond to suggestions not the tone of criticism:
The problem is that people make valuable critical suggestions. However, there tone and style of criticism means that we respond to the suggestions but remember there confrontational manner. In this respect we need to separate the criticism from the style of criticism. Even if people speak in a tone of anger, we should try to detach their emotion from the useful suggestions which lie underneath. I know it's very difficult to agree with, but it helps a lot.
6) Smile:
Smiling, even a false smile, can help us to relax more. It creates a more positive vibration and smoothes the situation. It will definitely help psychologically. Smiling will motivate the other person to moderate their approach.
7) Don't respond immediately:
It is best to wait a little before responding. If we respond with feelings of anger or injured pride we will soon regret it. If we wait patiently it can enable us to reflect in a calmer way.
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