How to Develop a Calmer Approach to Criticism

How to Develop a Calmer Approach to Criticism

Prepare a simple plan for handling criticism. These practical questions and exercises will help you listen, evaluate the feedback, and decide what to do.

First, take a breath and let the other person finish. Then ask for an example, summarize what you’ve understood in your own words, and distinguish specific suggestions from general judgments. If the feedback is unclear or doesn’t sit right with you, you don’t have to respond straight away—you can take some time to think it over. This blog post offers similar steps and short exercises to help you develop an approach to feedback that works for you.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Why criticism and feedback are the keys to personal growth: How to overcome discomfort and achieve success Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine someone invites you to give a short speech in front of people you do not know. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When you hear the word "uncertainty," what image is the first to appear in your mind?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Someone will tell you: "Start where it hurts." How would you interpret this sentence?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you react when you find yourself in a situation where someone disagrees with your opinion?

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Imagine that a project completely fails. How do you handle it?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

You got the opportunity to go to a completely unknown country for 3 months. What is your first reaction?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When you are bored or feel stagnation, what do you do first?

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Which quote resonates with you the most?

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Imagine that you have to publicly admit a mistake. How do you feel?

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...snažím sa nájsť dôvod, prečo ma to odrádza, a zistiť, či je to naozaj obava alebo len strach z neznámeho.

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Why it is important to do the exact opposite of what seems uncomfortable to us: The path to personal growth and success

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