How to Handle False Criticism

Constructive criticism is one thing. While someone giving you some negative feedback with the intention of helping you develop and improve your skills is a good thing, it's not always easy to hear. Even when that feedback is true and correct, criticism always stings a bit.

But what if that criticism wasn't true? What if the feedback was false? Some of the most difficult criticisms to bear are those that have no basis of truth. What can you do to respond to negative feedback when it's false?

While our first instinct might be to deny or argue the false claims, getting defensive can lead us into more trouble. Often our denial can feed into the false criticism and help to prove the evaluator's point. Instead of getting angry or defensive, try these steps when encountering false criticism:

1. Keep your body language calm
2. Smile
3. Think before you speak
4. Thank them for the feedback

Remember, your response in tough situations says a lot about you. Keeping calm and and keeping your temper in check will go a long way. Once you've conquered this initial response, then you can go back and evaluate your own actions and ask clarifying questions.

If you've been on the receiving end of false criticism, take some time to read more about how to handle false criticism at work for some more suggestions and tips.

Blaming Others when Receiving Criticism

How you respond when receiving negative feedback from others says a lot about you and your character. Do you quickly jump in to defend yourself, make excuses, or even blame others when someone criticizes something you've done or something about you? Or are you one who can take responsibility for yourself and your actions and take ownership of the feedback. Do you seek out feedback so that you can develop your skills and grow in your leadership effectiveness?

Receiving negative feedback isn't easy for anyone. However, we all know what it's like to work with or attempt to correct someone who cannot take ownership over their problems. It's easy to identify the blamers in our workplace. Yet often, if we take a closer look at our own responses, we may find that we have some blaming tendencies as well.

Read Feedback: Stop Making Excuses or Blaming Others when Receiving Criticism to find out how you can move from being a blamer to being an owner.