So how do you take constructive criticism with a smile? And yes, I just used constructive criticism and smile in the same sentence.
Like you need someone telling you how to do something you are familiar with, or your job or relationship advice. Am I right?
Most of us don’t like someone telling us were are doing something wrong or that we can do it better. It’s human nature to have that sense of pride taken from us. After all, we like to feel good about the job we are doing or the task at hand, or perhaps a relationship. We don’t want the negative pointed out to us. But is constructive criticism really a negative gesture?
Watch this video to learn more about how to take constructive criticism with a smile. 
It can also be found on my Facebook Group page, or on my YouTube channel.
Table of Contents
What is Constructive Criticism?
I know I do. It’s normal to associate the word “criticism” as negative and hostile. But keep in mind, there is a difference between criticism and constructive criticism. The intent is different too.
To criticize, the intent is to be mean and malicious with no positive result to make you better. It’s the reverse. It’s about negativity and complaining.
With constructive criticism, the intent is good and to make you better as a person, certain tasks, etc. The intent of constructive criticism is to provide feedback that provides specific and actionable SUGGESTIONS.
If they are given in a positive manner with clear and specific recommendations, these SUGGESTIONS can help you make changes and improvements that will benefit you.
Accepting Constructive Criticism
Now you know that constructive criticism has its benefits to help you improve. We know it’s not about being negative or someone complaining. And if used, you can obtain more desirable results.
With these benefits, it makes it easier to accept them.
Think about the last time you got a “big win” at work home, etc. It was a wonderful feeling, right. Now think about a time when you had something go miserably wrong. You weren’t feeling great then, were ya?
The way you handled the losses or failures was the biggest win or defeat. Did you learn from them? Better yet, did you learn why they went wrong?
How to Handle Constructive Criticism
Now that we have a better understanding of what constructive criticism is, let’s take a look at how to handle it.
1. Be aware of your initial reaction
You can almost recognize when someone wants to approach you to give you some constructive criticism. Make sure you are aware of what is about to happen and don’t let yourself go into “defense mode.” This used to be me and it is so easy to do.
Stop your initial reaction. Take a deep breath and prepare yourself for what is about to be brought to your attention. Because our first reactions are usually not good during these types of situations. And whatever you do, don’t wear that negative expression that comes off as angry or defensive.
2. Don’t take it personally
This is a big one. If we start out thinking this is personal, you are not going to get anything positive from it. Start off with he mindset that this is not personal, but only to make you better than you already are!
No one is doing this specifically to you. They are only sharing their own experience and insights with you based on what they have learned and seen. It doesn’t always make them right either.
So take the information for what it’s worth and use it if you can. If you can’t worry not!
Remember: It’s not about you, its about the situation. So don’t take it personally.
3. See it as a benefit
This is a good thing to do if you are thinking negatively about the conversation about to be had. Think of it as a benefit. Receiving this constructive criticism is a way of being better at what you do, say, act react, etc. It’s to improve yourself.
Keep in mind you don’t have to take in everything and put it to action. These are suggestions you can use to make yourself better and improve yourself. Take parts that resonate with you and use those. If you don’t use anything, that is okay too.
4. Listen to understand
Listening to understand is called “active listening.” You are actively listening to understand, not respond. Be sure to be present and listen to every word they are saying to you. Listen to their word sna dread their body language. Truly take in their feedback.
5. Be thankful
It’s pretty difficult to be thankful when someone is pointing out a flaw or telling you, you could have done better ti you did this, this, and this. But be the ‘bigger person” and thank that person for their time. Be thankful they want to help you with feedback so you can improve.
If you really think about it, the person giving you consrtuctive criticism does want you to succeed and care about you or they would not waste their time.
6. Ask follow up questions to understand
Be sure to ask clarifying questions if you are confused or don’t fully understand something. Make sure you fully understand what the other person is telling you. Confirm you are on the same page before leaving the conversation.
If you don’t full understand, in the long run, the feedback will not be of much value to you.
Using Constructive Criticism to Improve
1. Feedback is always helpful
You can use feedback to improve yourself by knowing the constructive criticism is beneficial to you and why. You may disagree from feedback you receive, and that is fine. But now you have a foundation to research it for yourself and may find other valuable information along the way.
2. Get another point of view
The great thing about listening to constructive criticism is that you can et another point of view.
We all too often base what we would do, but only our own perception of things.
A great example: I follow others on Facebook to self improve and learn more, even if I am pretty savvy on a topic. Sometimes another persepetive may give you that “ah ha” moment! Always learn from each other.
3. It shows you are worth it
When someone takes the time to give you constructive criticism or feedback, it shows they care and you are worth their time. Why else would they be taking the time to help you improve yourself.
So think of this the next time you are about to get that feedback.
4. It improves you
If you are willing to take the constructive criticism with a smile, you might be surprised what you find out and how it may improve you.
We are all on the same team at the end of the day.
By them helping you, you help them and then you are both benefitting.
5. It may inspire you
Can you belive it? Do you believe that contructive criticism can inspire you? Sometimes the person providing feedback, may lead you down a path that you never knew about yourself.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, we have learned what constructive criticism really is and how to accept it. We have seen that active listening is of benefit and enhances our growth and improvement. Consrtuctive criticism can help us get better than we already are. We’ve discovered how to take constructive criticism with a smile! 🙂
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