Yesterday we talked about how to give others criticism in a positive way, how to make it come across as positive and not as an attack, we viewed it from the angle in which you're the giver of criticism, today we will be talking about how to receive criticism.

As a receiver of criticism, a person is more vulnerable as the criticism he is tp receive can come in different forms, both good and bad forms. It is therefore very important to maintain the right state and handle the situation effectively without further proving the point that you're wrong (that's if you're) or try making things look awkward even if it is a case of misunderstanding.

Below are some helpful tips on how to receive criticism positively:

Relax:

The reason I find this helpful is because relaxing can ease off any tension you have in your mind, especially when the criticism is coming from a person you respect. It is also important because in situations were we are in the position of the receiver of criticism, we tend to get defensive, not everyone wants to be corrected and even if you aren't one of those, you might want to relax and free all misconceptions you have to avoid any ambiguities that might surface. Relaxing also reduces the chances of acting on a whim because you feel attacked and this can't be good as you further prove the point that you're wrong or lose your chance to refute the claim if you're right.. So by all means, relax.

Listen to the critic:

Now that you're in a relax state you're in a better position to listen and comprehend what the critic has to say. The relaxation is to free your mind and provide space to welcome a different perspective, that's listening. Know that it is okay to be wrong sometimes as we all make mistakes. Let go of your ego and pride. Do not interrupt the critic when he's talking to get your point across as this isn't listening, it comes off as rude. Even when you think they have got something wrong about the situation, let them land first for if you try to chip in you might become defensive, which can be a coat worn against truth and can cloud your reasoning. Letting them land first will allow you to take in all they say and distinguish between what they got right and what they didn't, then you explain.

Ask questions :

If there's something you don't understand, then ask them to clarifications. If there's something you think they got wrong, now is the time to present them. If the critic is an understanding person he will definitely understand you except if of course he wasn't fit to criticise you in the first place. Make yourself understood as you present your feelings and why you did what you did if you think they got it wrong. If they provide good reasons as to why what you did isn't right, accept the correction and try not to do it again. Life is about learning from our mistakes to further improve ourselves, without them there's little or no growth.

Say "thank you very much"

When all is said and you and your critic understand each other and are on the same page, do not forget to thank them very much, if it as offence you committed and it happened to affect them, follow that up with an apology too. It is a very precious thing in life to have people who genuinely care about you to the extent that they correct you when you're wrong to make you a better person. Criticism isn't always a bad thing, it is needed to evolve. Try your best not to repeat the same mistake again since they've pointed it out to you, they may see it as negligence of which they mightn't be any excuse if repeated.

What to do when the criticism is negative and stems from hate or a desire to make you feel bad?

It's very simple:

Ignore them with a smile while walking away gracefully!

Thanks for reading,

Yours Layly,

❤❤❤💖