Do you like negative criticism? Me neither. But I and maybe you as well, get it from time to time. I noticed for myself that I really do have a problem taking it. I instantly started to defend myself, sometimes I even played the ball back and answered with a negative (and often rude) response. Well obviously this is not the right way to appreciate criticism, as you should see it as the most honest response you can get from someone and, as Zen Habits points out: It’s an opportunity to improve.
I recently found an article on Zen Habits that explains how to accept criticism with grace and appreciation. It’s definitely worth reading and gave me some new ideas on how to improve my acceptance of criticism. Most importantly, it helped me to find the tiny good thing in every criticism:
Improve through criticism: find the positive in it. Sure, it may be rude and mean, but in most criticism, you can find a nugget of gold: honest feedback and a suggestion for improvement.
Spend a few minutes and read the article. It may improve your next reaction on receiving criticism.
Link: Zen Habits – How to Accept Criticism with Grace and Appreciation
Pingback: emendatio » Blog Archive » Learn to use effective self-criticism.