Hey [First Name],
How about you, are you good at it?
Are YOU good at taking criticism?
I’m not…I HATE messing up and I loathe being wrong!
Many times, I already know it…so someone taking a whack at me doesn’t help that much.
Here’s the problem though…
If you’re a leader, or a spouse, or a parent, or a coach, or a team member, or friend, or anyone doing anything…you will need a little constructive guidance from time to time.
One strategy would be to consider your response to criticism even when it’s well meant but poorly delivered.
Rather than getting mad, you might gently say…
“Let me repeat what you said, to make sure I understand you correctly.”
Or…you could respond with…
“Thank you for sharing your point of view. I’d like to consider it more and get back to you.”
You should also remember that criticism isn’t always delivered at you personally, as if you’re a miserable failure…but rather to help you be a little bit better next time.
No matter how you slice it, you’re not going to be awesome every time, so well-placed criticism can be a real gift.
If nothing else…think it over a little…and I’m not being critical of you!!
Smiles, have a GREAT week and Keep Building Trust...Mark