People do not like an endless rundown of their shortcomings. That’s why a lesson on how to deal with the different types of criticism is a must.
Criticism comes in many forms, and happily, not all of them are negative. However, it can be pressurizing. Here is a presentation of the different types of criticism, and how to deal graciously with each one.
How Criticism is both Damaging and Nurturing
The different types of criticism have their strengths and flaws, like everything else. We can turn even the worst feedback to your advantage if we focus on the positives.
How Our Criticism Damages
1. Negativity:
First of all, we direct negative energy to the people we criticize, though we may not realize it. The negativity affects their perception of the world around them and consequently, their self-worth.
At the same time, we direct negative energy to ourselves. Therefore, we must remember that everyone makes mistakes. We wouldn’t like it when there’s no understanding of ours.
2. Negative Criticism is a Reflection of Ourselves:
Also, we point out our flaws when we make derogatory statements about others. Lashing out at others is how we defend ourselves and is a sign of too much ego.
Rude remarks are about ourselves and have nothing to do with others. They hint that there is an imbalance in our lives and that we should address it.
3. Collective Consciousness:
The negative criticism that we direct at others will not create positive vibes. Low vibrational energy sends everyone backward. Angry, violent criticism begets more anger and violence. It does not benefit anyone.
How Positive Criticism Can Be Beneficial
As mentioned earlier, not all criticism types are harmful. The person who delivers feedback may only want to highlight a situation that needs addressing. They work to our advantage if they lead to improvement.
1. Criticism is how people communicate
When people try to communicate feedback, we have the opportunity to improve our relationships with them. For sales personnel, it means the chance to turn them into satisfied customers. Both parties can work toward a better outcome.
Constructive feedback strengthens products and services; we can’t know if we are doing things correctly until someone tells us so.
2. Criticism forces us to consider how we work
Constructive criticism makes us efficient. We may feel frustrated because it means reworking projects and dealing with delays. However, the angst is worth the while if it means satisfaction and stronger relationships. We can use it to get things done better than others.
3 Types of Criticism and How to Deal With Each of Them
Criticism can harm or hurt us, depending on its purpose. It can help us hone our work processes. At the same time, it may not be a true reflection of our work. We can deal with feedback adequately if we know what criticism we are receiving.
1. Feedback from People with Positive Intentions
You must value this type of criticism. It comes from family members and friends who have your best interests in mind and want you to succeed.
People deliver this kind of criticism because they have your interests in mind. They bring oversight to your attention because you have blind spots, like everyone else. They know that they are blocking your breakthroughs and success.
How to deal with it:
This criticism type may sound harsh, but do remember that your loved ones needed courage and effort to open up to you. Also, they probably chose their words carefully so that they wouldn’t shatter your confidence. Discerning their intentions is the key – if they have good ones, they would be generous with their positive feedback.
2. Neutral criticism
This type is not necessarily looking out for your best interests, but they are not out there to get you either.
Such criticism doesn’t benefit you, at least not outright. However, it won’t harm you either. It usually comes from disagreeable people who are somewhat hard to please.
However, there is truth in their words. This kind of criticism isn’t personal and comes about when they disagree with our opinions.
How to deal with it:
These critics may use harsh words, but we shouldn’t take them personally. We shouldn’t reject their comments because they add to the diversity of the feedback we receive, and help us to improve.
3. Damaging criticism from trolls
Fortunately, trolls are rare. Their objective is to upset those around them with off-the-cuff, abusive remarks. You can tell that troll are afoot from their harsh words and dogma. They do anything to simian our work.
How to deal with it:
Be aware that trolls will criticize almost anything we do. Ignore their remarks and move on, as their criticism is unfounded. Don’t dignify their comments by responding to them.
Tips for Dealing with Any Criticism
If you have anger management issues, fret not. Following these suggestions will help you to manage all criticism types from trolls or irate customers.
1. Listen
First of all, listen carefully to the words the critic uses. You may feel hurt to hear that you have a terrible temper, but overcoming this negative trait may boost your relationship with the person. If it does, the criticism may prove helpful.
2. Stay calm
Also, respect is the key, no matter the situation. Thank the critic of his or her feedback proves beneficial. Even if trolls criticize you, kill them with kindness. They will feel out-of-place to say anything further.
3. Don’t take it personally.
Don’t take the critic’s words personally. It’s just a reminder that you have the potential to do better, or realize that what you ‘free doing isn’t your forte.
4. Managing Stress
It ‘s hard to respond to criticism positively if we are always under pressure. Put in stress-busting measures, such as meditation or taking a deep breath.
5. Persevere
Finally, remember that criticism represents only one person’s viewpoint. Not everyone will think negatively about your work. Appreciate your strengths, and don’t your limitations stop you from moving toward your goals.
In all, criticism can be harmful or beneficial, depending on what type it is. Handling any criticism in a measured way is the key to moving forward and growing from it.
