If someone is criticizing you and you are not being defensive and keeping an open mind it doesn’t mean that you are a walkover or that you will necessarily agree with them. Indeed, there are times when criticism is strictly unfounded, malicious and entirely nonconstructive.

 

By asking the three questions outlined in yesterday’s post you will be both assertive and direct whilst keeping a calm demeanor to minimize potential conflict – all qualities that typically command respect in others. And the best bit?

 

The person you are questioning – the person delivering the criticism – will have to do all the hard conversational work for you because their answers will very obviously reveal if their criticism is  malicious and unfounded. Then all you need do is to say that you are not prepared to discuss the matter further until they can substantiate their claims.

 

Do you like the idea of asking someone who is criticizing you to give you examples? Would you feel more empowered and in control of the conversation if you were to follow this advice whilst receiving criticism? Do you in any way disagree with this approach? Please share your thoughts in the comments below to gain encouragement, insight and support from our community, we’d love to hear from you.