Can You Take Criticism?

Can you take constructive criticism? Are you one of those people who always has a ready defense should someone endeavors to make a suggestion of how to do something better? Do you treat constructive criticism as if it’s a personal attack? Stop it! In order to grow and change, it is necessary to take criticism sometimes. Usually, if someone is taking the time to offer you feedback in order to do your job better, or make it to the next level, it’s because they care about your success. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It just means there is room for improvement. And everyone has areas for growth potential. Sometimes we are not aware of areas that need attention. Isn’t it awesome to have someone who cares enough to point these out to us? Keep in mind that it’s usually not done for malicious purposes or to tear us down. It’s to build us up and help us to move forward on our paths.

So here is your task for today:

List 5 people who you know and trust for this exercise.

They should be from different areas of your life.

List them below:

FAMILY MEMBER




CLOSE FRIEND




CO-WORKER




AN ASSOCIATE




A SOCIAL CONTACT

So, how do you go about it?

Well, below is a list of questions to ask each person you chose to give you feedback.

It's recommended that you meet with each person and explain what you are doing. Here's something simple to say: "Hey, I am looking to change some things in my life. Would you mind answering a few questions about me. I really appreciate your help on this."

Completing this assignment will give you some insight into areas that may need improvement. It may sting a little to hear, but the objective is two-fold. You are learning how to take criticism and getting feedback on things to work on in the future.

EXTERNAL FEEDBACK QUESTIONS

·                     What do you think are areas in which I need to improve?

·                     What are my annoying habits?

·                     What three suggestions do you have for improvement?

After you have received all of the feedback it is now time to reflect on what has been written or said:

Does anything stand out? If so, what?

Are you surprised by what was said or written?

What steps will you take going forward to minimize your deficits?

How has this assignment changed your outlook and how you view yourself?

What will you do differently now that you have this new information?