Your colleague's criticism hits hard. How can you manage your emotions effectively?

People would have their feedbacks but which ones are worth to follow is something we can decide. Draw your boundaries and act accordingly. If someone is sharing their feedback dont be defensive, pause a minute and breath. Do nit react take time, analyse and seek clarity with the help of questions. Everyone have their own perspectives and respecting that is important

We’re often taught to “be tough” or to “not take anything personal”. However the reality is that our emotions tell us otherwise. If we are suppressing our emotions we are damaging our physical and mental health. Acknowledging our feelings, and that we feel hurt due to direct criticism is the first step. It means that we care, which will serve us to improve and grow.

Counting to ten, breathing, focusing on some small detail (a button, a stripe, a spot on the wall) are good strategies to help you control your first emotional reaction. Make an effort to really hear and process what is being said without judgement and emotionally detached. See beyond the face value and try to understand the message underneath and most importantly the good intention behind the words. If they are taking the time and courage to tell what you can do better, appreciate it. They probably care about you, about the outcome of some project or the team.

Criticism is like a weather forecast - prepare for it and adapt your actions accordingly. When a colleague's criticism hits hard, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts before responding. Reflect on the feedback objectively, separating the constructive points from any emotional reactions. Use this as an opportunity to grow, seeking clarification if needed and applying the insights to improve your performance. By managing your emotions effectively, you can turn criticism into a valuable tool for personal and professional development.

Due to our own biases we’re at great risk to interpret criticism as worse and more offensive than it actually was intended. Before reacting poorly, try to clarify the intention and meaning behind the feedback. Often it turns out there is no need to feel offended or hurt.

Listen actively first. Then repeat what you understood and thank them for their insight. Then you can offer your o et perspective and explain your intentions behind your actions. It is ok to disagree and move on if the other person isn’t open for your feedback in return.

When faced with criticism, I should respond in a calm and professional manner. Rather than becoming defensive, I would acknowledge the feedback, express gratitude for the input, and ask clarifying questions to better understand the concern. This allows me to have a constructive discussion and identify ways to address the issue at hand. Additionally, I would follow up with the individual providing the criticism to demonstrate my commitment to improvement and maintain a collaborative working relationship. An open and solutions-focused approach can transform criticism into a valuable learning experience.

After receiving criticism, I would first take some time to reflect on the feedback and consider how I can apply it to enhance my performance or address the identified issues. I would then develop a structured improvement plan, outlining specific actions I will take, the resources or support I may need, and a timeline for implementation. This demonstrates my commitment to addressing the criticism and shows the individual that I am receptive to their input. By having a well-thought-out plan, I can navigate criticism constructively and use it as a catalyst for professional development.

Managing your emotions effectively after criticism involves embracing both growth and flux mindsets. A growth mindset views criticism as a chance to learn and improve, fostering resilience and continuous development. Meanwhile, a flux mindset acknowledges that emotions are fluid, encouraging self-awareness by accepting and navigating through emotional responses. Together, they create a balanced approach, helping you process feedback constructively while staying attuned to your emotional state, enhancing overall self-awareness and personal growth.This synergy empowers you to turn criticism into opportunities for growth, fostering a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions.

One other important factor to consider when facing criticism is maintaining a growth mindset. It's crucial that I approach criticism as an opportunity for learning and development, rather than seeing it as a personal attack or a reflection of my inherent abilities. By adopting a growth mindset, I can acknowledge the feedback with an open and curious attitude, focused on understanding how I can improve, rather than becoming defensive or dwelling on the negative aspects. This mindset allows me to have productive conversations, ask insightful questions, and collaborate with the individual providing the criticism to find constructive solutions.