It’s hard to be open to constructive criticism. No one likes to hear what they could do better or differently. But it’s so critical that we learn how to listen.
As part of any self-discovery and personal development journey.
We simply have to work on our ability to seek out and accept helpful feedback from those we trust.
Seeking constructive criticism from friends, family, mentors, or colleagues is a powerful way to gain perspective about both our strengths and areas for improvement.
Embracing feedback can provide us with unique, valuable insights that we can’t find through self-examination and reflection.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to feel defensive or hurt when we receive constructive criticism, even when it is delivered in a positive way.
It can be especially hard to be open to feedback, listen attentively, and then objectively consider constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.
Adjusting our mindset is the key.
Focus on the fact that feedback is not meant to hurt or undermine us.
Most people find it hard to deliver constructive criticism so let’s make it easier on them, too.
By reminding ourselves that feedback is intended to support our personal development.
It’s our window into the possibilities.
And our chance to identify specific opportunities for growth and progress.
How to Handle Constructive Criticism
Receiving constructive criticism can be challenging.
But learning how to handle it with grace and how to use it to our advantage is a valuable skill that can be a game changer.
We will talk about strategies we can use to deal with criticism and turn it into a positive experience.
But first let’s talk about how to know when criticism is in fact, constructive.
Understanding the Nature of Constructive Criticism
Before we delve into the strategies, it’s important to understand that criticism is often subjective and influenced by personal biases.
To be blunt, not all constructive criticism is valid or helpful!
It is key to differentiate constructive criticism, which aims to help us improve, from destructive criticism, which is intended to hurt or belittle us.
Put another way, we must learn to distinguish between useful feedback that can help us grow and baseless criticism that serves no purpose.
By recognizing this distinction, we can better assess the value of the feedback we receive.
We must work to focus on the constructive criticism we receive and let go any unfounded negativity.
Strategies to Embrace Constructive Criticism
Once we’re confident the feedback we’re receiving is intended to inform our personal growth, there are strategies that may help us to be more open and accepting of new ideas and perspectives.
- Embrace a Growth Mindset: Rather than viewing criticism as a personal attack, we must see it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. We need to decide to learn from feedback and use it to better ourselves.
- Stay Calm and Objective: When faced with constructive criticism, it’s natural to feel defensive or upset. We must take a step back and try to assess the feedback without letting our emotions cloud our judgment. This allows us to see the criticism in a more constructive light.
- Listen and Seek Clarification: Active listening is important, always, but especially when we are receiving constructive criticism. We must give the person providing feedback our full attention and resist the urge to interrupt or defend ourselves. It also helps to ask clarifying questions to ensure we fully understand their perspective.
- Reflect and Learn: We must also consider how the feedback we have received aligns with our goals and values. This process helps us identify areas where we will benefit the most from our efforts. Once we do, we can begin to formulate targeted action plans.
- Build a Supportive Network: It helps to surround ourselves with people who genuinely care about our growth and well-being. Seek feedback from those who will provide honest yet constructive criticism.
- Practice Self-Compassion: We must remember to be kind to ourselves, especially as we explore areas for potential growth. It helps to accept that making mistakes and receiving constructive criticism is part of being human. The point of feedback is not change who you are, but to become a better version of yourself.
How to Embrace Constructive Feedback
Handling criticism can be challenging, but by adopting a growth mindset and embracing feedback, we can turn it into a powerful tool for personal growth.
We must first do our best to differentiate between valid and invalid criticism.
Once we determine the feedback worth considering, we need to reflect on it and consider means to incorporate it into our own behaviors.
Constructive criticism can be a unique opportunity for self-improvement, if we approach it with the right mindset.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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