Out of all the difficult things in life, receiving criticism with a smile on your face is the hardest. For many people, the struggle is real as they end up in a heated argument with the person pointing out their shortcomings or perceived shortcomings.
Being defensive is normal, but you should also learn to receive criticism graciously and use it for your good.
Here are some tips to receive and manage criticism gracefully
- Listen – Whenever you feel criticism coming from a person, don’t react at once. Take a deep breath and listen. It isn’t easy, and you might want to speak up in your defense. Don’t! Just stay calm and listen to what the other person has to say. By the time they finish speaking, you might learn something about yourself.
- Remember the Benefits – While receiving criticism, always remember the good that might come from it. Take it constructively. It might help you improve your skills or relationships or even become a better person.
- Ask Questions – At the end, you can ask questions to understand the person who is giving you the feedback entirely. As a result, you can have an actual conversation with your critic, which is a sign of cooperation from your end. Also, if you disagree, you can always convey it casually instead of getting hyper.
Staying positive while receiving criticism and then managing it amicably not only goes in your favor but it helps you overcome.
