Accepting Criticism

Do you resent criticism?

Or, are you able to accept criticism?

Do you get defensive when someone suggests an idea critical of you or your work?

Do you sometimes resent criticism, regardless of the source?
There is only one way to effectively handle criticism, no matter where it comes from.

Accept it gracefully!

Often, there are instances where the person who is making the criticism is sincerely trying to help you. If this is true, genuine thanks and graceful acceptance will keep you from seeming conceited or inconsiderate.

On other occasions, people criticizing you might be trying to raise your hackles and make you angry. How do you deal with this sort of criticism? (And, simultaneously show you are better than this sort of behavior?)

By accepting the criticism gracefully!

When you keep your cool no matter how tough it is, people can see the real you. We are not suggesting you pretend to be perfect, but by appreciating the interest their criticisms imply, we suggest you can deal with and diffuse what might otherwise be a tense situation.

We think it is important to let people know you are happy to consider whatever they have to say. By doing this, you now have the ball in your court and the other person’s criticisms could look foolish.

In addition, do not get too upset if your boss occasionally criticizes you. That is their job! For their criticism to be effective, it should be done in a coaching or corrective manner.

So even if you dislike criticism, ask yourself this: if your boss criticizes nothing you do, are they paying attention to anything you do? If not, their inattention might mean other things are not being attended to either.

Brigadier General David Sarnoff, the head of RCA from 1923 until he retired in 1970 at the age of 79, gladly considered the opinion of any man. He did not care if the observation came from the person who shined his shoes or the president of the board of directors.

Sarnoff once remarked that he didn’t resent criticism because, “Sometimes a kick in the pants is just what is needed to get you moving on the path of progress.”

Your path of progress and success might just depend on accepting criticism gracefully.