What To Say When Someone Criticises You

Turning negative feedback into open dialogue

Why it's important to keep instinctive emotional reactions in check, explore criticism calmly and listen carefully to the answers.

Summary of learning messages

• Keep emotional reactions in check
  Don’t hit back defensively and provoke a confrontation

• Defuse the situation
  Show that you are open to the criticism and are listening

• Use it as a learning opportunity
  You don’t have to agree with the criticism but it’s worth exploring calmly

Explore other resources about:

• Personal Effectiveness
• Communication & Teamwork
• Managing Performance & Productivity

Discover other relevant resources related to these topic areas:

• Assertiveness
• Being criticised?
• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution
• Difficult conversations
• Interpersonal skills
• Listening skills

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