Learn to deal with constructive criticism Without Getting Defensive

Constructive criticism obviously has utmost significance in our personal and professional lives. To perform well, we should be receptive to them and able to apply them effectively. But is it being appropriately channeled and negotiated within our socio-cultural scenario? It will be fallacious to respond with an affirmative answer to this question. In this post, we will discuss How to Deal with Constructive Criticism in 8 steps.

The more important process that should work around constructive criticism is its identification and processing. The constructive part of which will work only subsequently. This article will show us how to identify constructive criticism, process them, and use them.

Definition of Constructive Criticism.

Constructive criticism is not negative criticism, and it hasn’t been interpreted as such. Your negativities may be pointed out in it, but they are always made to make you better.

 

Constructive criticism would give feedbacks about you supported by proper examples. It would help you sort out probable solutions for your mistakes and acts as a stepping stone for your growth.

It is really important to differentiate between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. Insulate yourself from the destructive ones and embrace constructive criticism.

How to Process Constructive Criticism?

Be Receptive.

When you receive criticism, emotions might escalate quickly. This can obstruct your capacity to learn from it and improve. Always approach a constructive criticism with an open mind. Show the patience to know what is being communicated.

This could be facilitated by being prepared to receive criticism. You could anticipate the circumstances where criticism arises. Be ready then to receive whatever comes your way. This could help you control your emotional response.

Take Time To Deal With Your Emotions.

You may experience intense emotions when receiving constructive criticism.

It’s critical to implement the advice you get as objectively as possible. If you are still experiencing strong emotions as a result of the criticism you heard, it is too soon to make a decision or action.

You may judge the criticism only on its merits if you take the time to view it without emotion. This puts you in a better position to figure out which advice is excellent for you and which you don’t think will benefit you so that you can act on the good advice.

Don’t Take It Personally.

We have already seen the importance of objectivity. Whatever is being said, don’t take it personally. Understand them as something aimed at improving you.

Consider them as towards your work. Being involved too personally would affect our discretion to understand, differentiate and accordingly.

Listen Actively.

Criticism is something whose details to which we should pay close attention. Then only we could sort out the reaction or solution to it.

Your emotional nervousness may affect your listening. So put active effort and time to receive the criticism with clarity.

Keep Yourself Professional And Maintain Your Body Language.

Most probably, the criticism may arise in professional settings from a superior. Being professional will help you stay focused and also help create a positive impression.

Your body language is also essential. It reflects your immediate response. Receive things with calmness and composure.

Ask For Further Information.

After all, you have to make use of the information communicated. You would have doubts regarding the same. The criticising person may have solutions to your problem, which he may not have communicated in the first conversation itself.

You should ask all these things and should try to make a comprehensive understanding for your response.

Resort To Alternate Authorities If Necessary.

If you are ambiguous about the merit of the raised criticism, you can resort to the help of someone else who could actually help you. An alternate opinion is always better to be sought for if practical. 

Apply What You Have Taken.

Now is the time for applying the corrections that you wish to make. Even during the course of the application, you should ask for some formative assessments from your colleagues or superiors. This will ensure that your mistake is not repeated. The merit of the criticism should always be considered, and the necessary action should be taken only accordingly.

Constructive criticism is fodder for your growth. They shouldn’t extinguish your fire but ignite it furthermore. We have seen here the steps to deal efficiently with constructive criticism.

Which among them do you think is pertinent in your case? Let us be informed about it in the comment section.