How to Handle Criticism

Have you ever received criticism that you maybe didn't ask for? Were you caught off-guard when it happened? If you answered yes to these questions, I have the article for you. I read this post on inc.com and found the advice very helpful, so I wanted to share it with you. Here are a few tips to handle unwanted criticism:

Expect it
Go ahead and make a mental note, it's going to happen. When you go public with your work, your business, there will be people who offer their critique whether you asked for it or not. A good thing to remember is that more often than not, the criticism is not personal.

Be open
You know the saying, "Two heads are better than one." Being open to advice from others isn't necessarily a bad thing. The article mentions a quote from Jeff Bezos, "Listen and be open, but don't let anybody tell you who you are."

Calibrate instinct
Unwanted criticism can feel like an attack. You may threatened or irritated. A word of advice from the writer states, "Pause in the feedback moment and consider the broader picture. This tempers potential resentment toward the opinion giver."

Disagree in private
There's nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree. However, sometimes disagreements can embarrass others. To avoid awkward situations, take a moment to have a conversation in private where you can discuss your thoughts without challenging each other in front of a crowd.

Reframe it
Think about the criticism you received. Think about where the comment was coming from. "Differentiate between petty and productive messages."

Take a look at the full article linked above for even more helpful tips on reacting to critique from others. Now let's hear from you! How do you navigate comments from others? Let's talk in the comments.