Tips on how to deal with criticism?

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Hello there. My name is nikkiDT, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to gracefully accept criticism or give it without hurting anyone. What would you do?


Thanks in advance.

almost no one bothers, but in the "one minute manger", the author suugests giving four to five sincere compliments for every criticism.. that's because no matter how nicely you say it, anything suggesting a need for change wil be perceived as negative and needs to be balanced out.

so far as receiving criticism, i try to do whatever i need if there really is something that needs to be fixed.. i know i shouldn't be, but i'm hurt when criticized.. i try not to let it show..

Hi there.

I spent a few years going through a period of professional training in which I was supervised and my performance regularly assessed and criticised. I suppose I should have started by saying that I view criticism as a positive thing which enables me to improve professionally and personally.

The key to acceptance of criticism is honesty, primarily with yourself, and a degree of objectivity. If you find it hard to process right away, then thank the person for their input and say that you'll take some time to think about it. If there are aspects of what they said that you disagree with, then go back with examples and be ready to discuss it calmly.

I am assuming here, btw, that this is criticism which is well meant and constructive rather than meant to bring you down. Your relationship with the person criticising you and their reasons will give you a guide in judging its sincerity.

Criticising others is harder for me, butI have found that if it takes the form of asking, with unfeigned interest why someone does what they do, then that can be a good way into an amicable discussion. We all fall into habits and don't always realise until we are encouraged to think about it until it is honestly questioned.