There comes a time in everyone’s life when you encounter some form of criticism. It may be at work, at home, or have to do with a friendship or romantic relationship. Some is constructive, meant to encourage you and improve some aspect of your work or life. Other times it is playful banter between friends, or it can be spiteful and mean.

Nevertheless, developing a reputation (for good or ill) for receiving criticism is an important part of building your relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. What is your own persoanl style when you or your work is criticized? Are you perceived as defensive or perhaps comabative, or are you known to be accepting, willing to learn and improve? Here are a few tips for preparing yourself to handle any sort of criticism in a professional manner:

• Listen - Do not start thinking about how you will retort to this critic while they are still speaking. Listen with your full attention, absorb the conversation. If the criticism seems unfair, or mean-spirited, stay calm. Breathe. Wait for them to finish. 
• Avoid Revenge - Getting angry and exacting your revenge on an unfair critic does feel better, at first. Escalating the situation, or creating a more serious breach in your relationship will hurt more in the long run. Don’t get angry. Respond calmly.
• Consider Your Response - Take some time to consider what has been said. If you need some time to evaluate or prepare a formal response, let the other person know that you will have to get back to them. Set an appointment with yourself  to handle it.
• Heed the Criticism - Do not automatically dismiss the criticism. Especially when you believe that you are being unfairly criticized, keep an open mind. There may be a kernal of truth in what your critic is saying.
• Focus on the Truth - Be honest with yourself about what has been said. Evaluate the criticism, and create a plan or Next Action to change what you need to. 
• Forgive - Not everyone is as patient or understanding as you are. Do not hold a grudge against someone who criticizes you.  Instead, you may find it possible to improve your relationship with your critic.
• Stay Positive - View criticism as an opportunity to improve, a chance to become a better person - a better employee, friend, student, spouse or parent.

Now for the fun part. Share the most unfair criticism that you have received, and how you dealt with it. Or tell us about some constructive criticism that has made a positive impact on your life.