Show Executive Presence in How You Deal with Critics
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We all have them—critics I mean. They can be as close as the person across the breakfast table or as distant as an unknown source of a nasty “Tweet” on your Twitter account. You can’t control what critics say, but you can control your reactions! Maintain composure by considering how the criticism may just be an opportunity for your growth. Dwelling on the negative will only cause stress and doubt. Who needs that?!

Leaders are always on stage, being watched by those they are influencing. What a great responsibility it is to choose to react positively! To decide to put forth the effort to be exceptional! To select the action most appropriate! So how do you handle criticism?

Here are five ways to handle your critics:

1. Listen with an open mind to what they’re saying. Having an open mind doesn’t mean you agree. It just means you hear the possibilities.

2. Listen and look for opportunities for personal growth. A critic’s words may at the very least help you discover a different perspective—a way to reframe your dug in judgment.

3. Avoid spiraling into self-doubt. Instead, be self-aware. What are your leadership competencies? What are your core values? If your critic’s words make you second-guess yourself—step away, clear your head, refocus on your goals and proceed moving forward.

4. Separate the message from the messenger. If the criticism is connected to any of the e-words (like emotion, envy or ego), take another look to consider the message. It may contain truth and deserves attention.

5. Never react! Always respond! Saying something like, “You may be right,” or “I’ll consider your point of view,” or “I hadn’t thought of it that way” is a positive response. “I know what I’m talking about, so just do what I’m asking,” is a negative reaction.