Acknowledging

This week, the 2 Minute Tip is discussing ways to respond to criticism, especially criticism that feels like rejection. Today, we’ll cover the technique of acknowledging or admitting they’re right.

While being criticized, it’s easy to go to silence or violence, but let’s keep in mind that at the very least, criticism can help us understand how others see us. 

It can help us avoid repeating errors and correct toward a goal.

We should also consider that sometimes criticism can be accurate but delivered judgmentally, so while it may be accurate, it still stings.

A default response to criticism may be to give an excuse… 

“I’m sorry there are so many mistakes. I was rushing and under the pressure of a deadline.”

This “excuse behavior” is leftover from when our parents or teachers accused us of wrongdoing and expected a reason or excuse. 

Instead, we can pause before saying anything. 

Breathe.

Check-in with your feelings and needs. (Remember: Me > You > Us).

Ask yourself if you’re reacting reflexively to fulfill some unmet need like the need for acceptance, closeness, or consideration from the other person.

If the criticism is something you can objectively agree with (even if delivered poorly), then what’s the harm in course-correcting and acknowledging that the critic is right?

“You’re right. There are a lot of mistakes in this report. Here’s what I’m going to do to improve/change/make sure it doesn’t happen again…”

Tomorrow, we’ll discuss another technique, clouding.