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Whether from a boss, a peer, a friend, or a family member, criticism smarts, no doubt about it. So how do you respond to it emotionally, evaluate it objectively, use it constructively, or discard it appropriately? The following tips may smooth the rough spots. |
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Tip 617: Consider the value of criticism. |
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Criticism has been given a bum rap in society, possibly because there are so many different kinds of criticism that can come our way. We can be criticized for something that was not our fault; for something that we have no control over; for being smarter or performing better than someone else and making that person jealous; for deliberately doing something wrong; for unintentionally doing something inappropriate; for something that is true about us; for something that is untrue about us; for our intentions, actions, results, appearance, attitude, personality, or job performance. It's difficult to lump all these kinds of criticisms together. |
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But consider the value: It is a form of communicationalthough a negative one. Sometimes negative communication from someone is better than no communication at all. It is a source of information, and it can be your best motivation for self-improvement. Criticism leveled at you is ultimately yours to useeither to disregard or benefit from it. If the criticizer is a boss, coworker, or family member, try to think of that person as a coach and you'll be much less resentful. If that person's intention is to help you improve, try to forget the framework for the comments and latch on to the benefit. |
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Tip 618: Remember that even the best get criticized. |
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Many people find comfort in a group. If you're among the criticized, you're in good company. Religious leaders receive criticism even if living on bread and water to feed the poor. Heads of state receive criticism, even though at least half the voters at one time considered them worthy of office. Doctors are sued for not making a timely diagnosis, even though a patient may suffer from a rare disease. Famous athletes get booed when they don't live up to their previous feats and track records. Movie stars are forgotten if their last performance flopped at the box office. CEOs receive criticism if the company does poorly, or if it does wellinvestors want to know why they couldn't have done better in such economically favorable times. |
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No one is immune; criticism is our national pastime. |
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