Not everyone is going to like you.
And that's ok.
THREAD: 7 steps for dealing with criticism - The right way.
And that's ok.
THREAD: 7 steps for dealing with criticism - The right way.
I've had a good run.
Since becoming active on Twitter this year, I've gone from 0-20K followers.
While I remain a mixture of excited, optimistic, & frankly unsure why anyone is following me at all, one thing has come to my attention:
Everyone won't like what I have to say.
Since becoming active on Twitter this year, I've gone from 0-20K followers.
While I remain a mixture of excited, optimistic, & frankly unsure why anyone is following me at all, one thing has come to my attention:
Everyone won't like what I have to say.
With this in mind, I began to wonder...
What are the best ways to handle negative feedback when it comes our way?
Fight or flight?
Stand your ground or admit defeat?
I'm not sure I have the right answer, but I'll give it a shot.
Let's dig in...
What are the best ways to handle negative feedback when it comes our way?
Fight or flight?
Stand your ground or admit defeat?
I'm not sure I have the right answer, but I'll give it a shot.
Let's dig in...
Assess:
Is the criticism is valid?
No one likes to be called out.
That said, simply because we don't like it, doesn't mean it isn't valid.
When faced with a critique, pause & evaluate before taking action.
The validity, not your emotions, should determine the path forward.
Is the criticism is valid?
No one likes to be called out.
That said, simply because we don't like it, doesn't mean it isn't valid.
When faced with a critique, pause & evaluate before taking action.
The validity, not your emotions, should determine the path forward.
Be Objective:
This is tough.
When faced with criticism our first response (or at least mine) is to fight back.
But often, our first response may not be the best.
Train yourself to look at the situation objectively.
Take "you" out of the equation.
This is tough.
When faced with criticism our first response (or at least mine) is to fight back.
But often, our first response may not be the best.
Train yourself to look at the situation objectively.
Take "you" out of the equation.
Tone:
Is the feedback you're receiving constructive or destructive?
Is someone trying to help or deliberately being hurtful?
An easy test:
Only pointing out flaws = Destructive
Providing a path toward improvement = Constructive.
Stick with people who offer the latter.
Is the feedback you're receiving constructive or destructive?
Is someone trying to help or deliberately being hurtful?
An easy test:
Only pointing out flaws = Destructive
Providing a path toward improvement = Constructive.
Stick with people who offer the latter.
Speak your mind:
Criticism is often the result of people simply having differing opinions.
Guess what?
We don't all have to agree.
In the world we live in today, it feels as though having opposing views is an immediate disqualifier for being able to coexist.
I disagree.
Criticism is often the result of people simply having differing opinions.
Guess what?
We don't all have to agree.
In the world we live in today, it feels as though having opposing views is an immediate disqualifier for being able to coexist.
I disagree.
Admit your mistakes:
The quickest way to diffuse a conflict? (assuming the criticism is valid)
•Admit your flaws
•Apologize for your role
•Commit to working to improve
If someone is still critical, even after you've taken these steps, keep moving.
They can't be pleased.
The quickest way to diffuse a conflict? (assuming the criticism is valid)
•Admit your flaws
•Apologize for your role
•Commit to working to improve
If someone is still critical, even after you've taken these steps, keep moving.
They can't be pleased.
Take a break:
Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we can "hear" but we have a hard time "listening."
It's ok to step away.
Let the other person know you need a minute.
Once emotions subside, come back to the conversation with a level head and an open mind.
Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we can "hear" but we have a hard time "listening."
It's ok to step away.
Let the other person know you need a minute.
Once emotions subside, come back to the conversation with a level head and an open mind.
Take action:
OK...
We've assessed the validity, admitted our mistakes & apologized for our role.
What's next?
It's on us to make a change.
Taking action shows you not only received the feedback, but understood it, appreciated it, & are willing to put it to use.
OK...
We've assessed the validity, admitted our mistakes & apologized for our role.
What's next?
It's on us to make a change.
Taking action shows you not only received the feedback, but understood it, appreciated it, & are willing to put it to use.
As for me...
If you found this thread helpful, please:
• Retweet the first tweet and help others find this thread
• Follow me at @blakeaburge
I write about mental models, productivity, and building a better you.
If you found this thread helpful, please:
• Retweet the first tweet and help others find this thread
• Follow me at @blakeaburge
I write about mental models, productivity, and building a better you.
https://twitter.com/blakeaburge/status/1402371228179091472?s=20
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