How well do you take constructive criticism?

I'm curious. For me, it depends on who the source is....sometimes I get offended, and I need to check myself! I'm an editor/writer....as you know, so I get my share...but in general...how do you take it? Work related and non work related? I feel like in the new year, I need to drop the defense and embrace what I'm told.

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

I'm a very sensitive person in general, so a lot of the time I take it personally, I;ve been getting better, but it takes work for me to realize it for what it is.

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

If it's true constructive criticism (which is only said with best intentions), I take it to heart & will do what it take to remedy a situation if I think it's valid.

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

It all depends on who it's from, the subject, the context, the tone of the criticism, etc. When it's from someone I respect, and trust their input, I'll take it very well. From some people, I just ignore what they say. Still others, I take personally.

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I don't take it well at all.

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

My reaction to ANY criticism is almost always going to be initially defensive. But with some time and reflection I will either calm down and absorb the advice OR resent the person giving it.

The things that will determine which way I will go are as follows:

The actual criticism: Was this given out of love or affection? Was it given to help me in some way? Or was it offered to hurt, injure or show superiority? Was the criticism given with suggestions for solutions and in context to a specific issue or issues? Or was it just thrown out there randomly>

The source of the criticism: Who gave it to me and do they have the background to offer this advice? If you are going to critique my parenting skills - but have no children - I am going to doubt your expertise. If you are going to give me advice on keeping my house clean - but you live in a filthy place - I am going to have a challenge taking you seriously. Also - if you are just a flat out negative person who always seems to look for the bad in everyone and everything - I am going to take what you say with less than a grain of salt.

The validity of the criticism: I know if something is true. I might not want to admit if I have a flaw when you call me out on it - I mean I am HUMAN - but if it is true it will resonate on some level. I will contemplate it and I will be forced to correct or ignore. If it is not true - I will be upset and will question your motives. I mean - if someone criticizes my food choices and I am sitting their with a plate of fries and a greasy burger, the evidence speaks for itself! But if I am working hard on my diet and making healthy choices day after day and someone starts telling me that I eat too much junk food - I am going to balk.

More than you asked for, right?

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Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

It depends on how it is presented. If it is as a friend, then I welcome it. If it is presented in a patronizing way, then i get really upset.

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I feel like I take it well in the moment, but then I beat myself up for days. I obessess about what was said and am miserable over it.

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

If it is truely constructive criticism, then I am fine with it. If it is someone finding things to criticize because of personal feelings, I don't take too well to that.

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Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

I'm much better than I used to be. I used to take it very personally. Now, not so much. I've learned to understand that it's not an assault on my character or talents, it's to help my work be the best it can be.

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Like a lot of people said here for me it totally depends on who is its from and why its being given....

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I listen so if there is some truth or something I can learn from it. If its just plain stupid, I nod but in my head Im thinking others things

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Honestly for me it 100% depends on the source.

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Generally speaking, not too well.

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I don't mind it unless its coming from someone who doesn';t know anything...

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I think I can take it well but depends who it's coming from and how they say it....
In my opinion you can say anything you want to anyone it's all about how you say it...

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

Initially, not good. Embarassment or anger are my usual reactions.

But I always give the benefit of the doubt, even if I think they're an idiot. Because truth can come from all forms. Even someone you disrespect completely can have an insight into something you just don't see about yourself.

If someone felt negatively towards me because of something I said or did, I would want to know before it affected their relationship with me. I always think it's better to know. I'm not above change to better myself and my relationships.

How I react from that point depends on a lot of factors. But I always give criticism a lot of thought.

Re: How well do you take constructive criticism?

Pretty well, I think. I come from an acting/directing background, so I'm used to giving it and taking it. I also try to learn from it. I actually get annoyed if I have a review at work or when I was acting and people just said "oh you're doing fine" I'd rather have something I can improve, because there is always room for improvement

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I think I have gotten better about it over the years. no one likes to hear that they're doing something wrong, that's human nature IMO. but like others have said, no one is perfect and we can all stand to improve in one way or another.