How to Deal With Criticism When You Know It Was Justified
- 1). Take the source of the criticism into consideration. It's not wise to listen to everyone who offers advice. If the person is trusted, is someone who loves you or is a source of authority over you like a boss or supervisor, it's more likely that you will benefit from what is said.
- 2). Avoid taking criticism personally and getting defensive. Your first reaction may be defending yourself. Take some time to consider the criticism. You can reject any portions of the advice later, once you have contemplated it. But make yourself a promise and a commitment to listening with an open mind.
- 3). Assess how much of the criticism you honestly agree with. No matter how hurt or uncomfortable it may make you to hear non-positive things about yourself, if you manage not to get defensive, there could be items in the criticism that will ring true. Take note of these.
- 4). Ask questions. If the criticism received is work-related or comes from a person in a position of authority over you, ask how you can improve. Ask for advice and what is expected of you in the near future as well as long term.
If the criticism is from a family member or other non-authority figure, the questions you ask will be internal ones. You have to decide for yourself what steps you can take to make changes that will address the issues raised. - 5). Offer sincere thanks and say that you will consider the solutions.
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