How To Handle Criticism
Our ability to take criticism can make us or break us. No one is indifferent to criticism, it us to respond either positively or negatively. Learning how to handle criticism is one of the most difficult lessons you can ever have.
Taking a Positive Approach
There are two kinds of people who are highly subject to criticism. Criticism is something you can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing . Yes, one of the cost of leadership is criticism.
Don't let that threat keep you from being all you can be. Rise above it as did the late Adolph rupp the former university of Kentucky basketball coach through rupp's coaching career he experienced an uphill struggle against those who were critical of his methods. They were many who took issue with rupp . He was difficult and sanctimonious. By the end of his career he had 874 victories and was the winningest coach in college of basketball history.
Beside leaders ,the other group of individuals who are prone to criticism are the leapers, people who leap into public eye because they are change agent. The question for leaders and leapers is not "will I be confronted with criticism"? But "how can I handle and learn from criticism and confrontation"?
TIPS FOR TAKING CRITICISM
1.UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONSTRUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. - You need to learn how to interpret criticism, is it positive criticism to build you up or negative criticism to tear you down? To determine the motive, ask yourself one question. First in what spirit is it given? Look behold the word and determine the motive. Second when is the criticism given? If it's public, it's not the best. Thirdly why is the criticism given? Is it for personal benefits and growth or given from personal hurt?
2.DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY- If you develop the ability to laugh at yourself, you will be much relaxed when given or giving criticism. Face it we all do some stupid and silly things.
3.LOOK BEYOND THE CRITICISM AND SEE THE CRITIC- When someone comes to me with a news about another person,I am more interested in the person who said it than what was said. In fact that one of my questions "who said it , who told you" ? When I know the perpetrator, I know whether or not to listen.
4.WATCH YOUR OWN ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CRITIC- A negative attitude toward critic can be more destructive than the criticism itself.
5.REMEMBER THAT GOOD PEOPLE GET CRITICIZED
6.DON'T JUST SEE THE CRITIC, SEE IF THERE IS A CROWD.
7.SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE.
Source
(.be a people's person by John c. Maxwell. Chapter 9)