Care for criticism?

It is easier to be critical than to be correct.Disraeli

"AREN'T you early for the afternoon shift?" This coming from your manager when you finally and desperately make it to the office albeit more than an hour late but in time for that all-important meeting. You have had a rough morning: a client meeting at 8, a sick child to be taken to the doctor and finally an awful traffic jam.

You have had it up till here, when your boss tops it all with that less than sensitive remark.

And you are ready to blow a gasket.

You feel the criticism is unwarranted; after all it was your boss who had asked you to meet the client at that unearthly hour. But your manager calls it bad time management.

Nobody likes being criticised even when it comes dressed as `constructive criticism.'

It makes you look less than good. But we all are subject to it- good, bad or plain vituperative.

There are times when criticism is meant to make you a better professional.

It can be useful and yes, constructive.

Unfair criticism however is aimed at hurting you and making you angry.

It can worsen an already bad day. Taking criticism in your stride with an open mind will make life that much easier personally and professionally.

Learn to treat all criticism objectively. Only then can it be a learning experience.

Do not be manipulated or get defensive.

It will only make you look undignified - or worse, foolish.

Look for ways to turn criticism into fulsome praise.

Lesson 1

All in a day's work: Treat criticism as being part of your daily routine. Do not react emotionally to it.

That would not help solve any problems; it might on the other hand, impair judgment.

If others are critical, make the criticism work for you.

Since you can't wish it away, put in the right perspective and work on it from there, since even a negative viewpoint may have a grain of truth.

Lesson 2

Misunderstandings: Handle with care

When someone tells you how to improve your work, do you see it as a put-down or do you take it in the right spirit? It often happens that we are either misunderstood or our actions are misconstrued.

Clarify the real message that is being sent before taking any affront.

Straighten things out with your critics and perhaps then you can adjust your behaviour, if need be.

When you criticise others do so without diminishing their self- confidence.

Lesson 3

Active listening

Be an active and objective listener. Put your ego aside for the time being and listen to what the other person is saying.

Understand why the person is criticising you or your work.

Maintain eye contact throughout and avoid being distracted.

Understanding the problem may help you turn any criticism into constructive statements so that you can rectify your mistakes and respond positively.

Lesson 4

Defence

Try not to defend yourself (unless the criticism becomes nasty and personal). It could be a learning experience for you! And will indicate that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions.

Often the way you react to criticism can block the channels of communication and make it difficult for you to work as a team member.

One of the ways to deal with valid criticism is to ask for specific feedback. This will make the critic look at probable solutions rather than harp about your shortcomings.

It will also give the other person a chance to work with you rather than against.

If you keep asking questions you will soon exhaust the critic's bag of complaints.

Chalk out the problem areas and you may soon find a common ground to talk about and agree.

Though you may stand to lose your credibility if the criticism is valid, don't fall into the rut of negative self-pity.

Getting along amicably with people is an important part of your work life.

Your success at work and your personal happiness depends on your ability to communicate with others, especially when differences or criticisms get in the way.

PADMA

padma.hyd@cnkonline.com