How To Handle Criticism Using NLP
Before we get started on how to handle criticism, it is important for you to realize that there are two types of criticism.
The first of these is constructive criticism which will assist you and second is negative criticism that can destroy your self-confidence. You need to distinguish this from negative (bad) criticism where the person making the criticism is just intent with putting you down.
The world is full of people that will pass judgment on you. So you need to know how to handle criticism effectively so that your state does not change to a negative one.
People often negatively criticize because they are jealous of what you have achieved or what you have.
Negative Criticism
Negative or destructive criticism is around us all of the time. The media and the newspapers make sure of that. These people are always hiding behind “the public interest” and if you hold them to account over criticism they will tell you that they are just doing their job.
Sometimes destructive criticism is warranted, but most of the time it isn’t. It not only occurs in the media but can happen at your place of work and socially as well. You may face direct negative criticism or criticism that is indirect or by way of innuendo. Whichever the method of delivery you need to be on your guard as it can take you down.
Negative Criticism Situations
Because of its competitive nature, there will always be competitors in business that will want to criticize you, being given a task by a client rather than them. Unscrupulous competitors are everywhere and they will do everything that they can to try and put you down.
Then there is the workplace. Some of your “colleagues” will want to negatively criticize you because you are seen in a more favorable light than they are. Maybe you just got a new promotion – you will need to watch out because the critics will be lining up to bad mouth you and bring you down.
Not all bosses handle criticism well, and you may find yourself unjustly criticized for something that was not your fault. A lot of companies like to go on a “witch hunt” when something goes wrong, and then they need to find a scapegoat that they can lay the blame on.
Probably the hardest form of negative criticism to handle is when it happens in social situations. Many people have family members that will criticize them no matter what they do. This can be particularly demoralizing.
In other social situations, friends will try and put you down to impress others – particularly members of the opposite sex. Criticism from a good friend can really be hard to take. When you have known someone for a long time and they suddenly criticize you, it can take you by surprise.
Dealing with Negative Criticism
The secret to dealing with negative criticism is to be flattered! Most people will criticize you unfairly because they are envious of something that you have or something that you have done. This can be a strong character trait that you have in social situations. Be flattered that they are centering their attention and energy on you and continue to walk the moral high road. Just keep doing what you do best and don’t bite. Remember that this
criticism is probably borne out of jealousy, so be true to yourself and maintain your normal stance.
If you do find yourself listening to negative criticism, then just brush it off as opinion that isn’t right. They are entitled to their opinions just as you are, and when you dismiss them as inaccurate, your current state will remain intact.
Think about the Inadequacy of the criticizer
People often are thinking about their own inadequacies when they negatively criticize it. It just makes them feel better about themselves to hurl negativity towards others around them. Imagine the inadequacies that these people have, and put a smile on your face.
You cannot control what other people say to you and when they say it. It may be a very unfair criticism, but you just need to choose to not let it concern you. Of course, you can control the way that you respond to negative criticism, and this you must do to maintain a positive state.
Conclusion
Bravo now you know how to handle criticism! Let us know what next you would like to read.
