On the toughest items on a leader’s laundry list of challenges is handling criticism, be it from a colleague, an employee, or a friend. Here’s how to do it properly in three simple steps.
Keep Your First Reaction in Check
Let’s face it: nobody likes criticism. No matter how experienced or how self-assured you are, a negative reaction is a hard pill to swallow. That’s why it’s important not to react impulsively to criticism. Instead, adopt an inquisitive mindset. Ask questions and try to understand where the other person is coming from.
Adopt a Constructive Attitude
Handling your immediate reaction to criticism is important, but it’s just a small fraction of what’s expected from you as a leader. Keep a constructive attitude and don’t take things personal. Playing the victim, pointing fingers, or trying to shift the blame will only undermine your leadership. Look at criticism for what it is: an opportunity for your organization —and yourself— to evolve.
Create an Action Plan
Criticism is useful but only if you are able to translate it into actions. After receiving criticism, ask yourself these questions:
- What is the root cause of the problem?
- What other factors contribute to the problem?
- What changes can we implement to solve the problem?
Conversations that involve negative feedback can be stressful even when they remain cordial. So don’t expect to come up with these answers immediately. You’ll probably need time to process the criticism and find a solution. What’s indispensable, however, is that you are committed to making the necessary changes.
More Tips and Ideas
At the ONE Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce, we are always looking for ideas that help foster the growth of your business. Here are some previous posts to help you do just that:
- Considering seasonal hiring for Christmas? Keep these tips in mind
- 3 Simple ways to protect yourself against identity theftÂ
- Common grammar mistakes to avoid in your business emails
- The key to becoming a better leaderÂ
Interested in learning more about the ONE Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce? Contact us today by email (info@oneinlandempire.com), telephone (951-280-3902), or social media. We look forward to hearing from you!