While everyone can give criticism, not all criticism is created equal or valid.
In this blog, I share a valuable lesson on moderating criticism from others.
When we are young, we receive a range of feedback and criticism from all quarters.
Parents, siblings, relatives, teachers, friends, peers, coaches and neighbours all comment throughout your formative years.
We are taught to be stoic, thick-skinned and absorb criticism throughout our rite of passage.
But as an adult and business owner – we need to adopt new tactics to filter the constant cycle of feedback and criticism.
Having a filter to process criticism is paramount.
Not all criticism is valid, wanted or to be respected.
The key to adopting this filter is to ask one simple question.
‘Would I take advice from this person?’
If the answer is ‘no’, let the criticism wash over you and move on. Some of the people that this may include could be uninformed (but perhaps well-intentioned family members), ignorant friends, people who have no relevant experience in the subject area, acquaintances with an opinion or random strangers with plenty to say.
Would you take advice from these people?
No.
Dismiss this criticism immediately.
But what of the people you would take advice from?
Considered and constructive criticism from business partners, informed family members, key team members, key customers, mentors and close colleagues must be processed.
You have taken advice from these cohorts, so you should at least rationally consider the criticism provided.
Of course, the second filter here is to process the legitimacy of the criticism and assess its validity.
If relevant, warranted and valid - you can take on board the criticism implementing appropriate action moving forward.
The key lesson is to eliminate the noise and help direct you to focusing on the right source of criticism.
Remember - Don’t take Criticism from someone you wouldn’t take Advice from
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