How Much Is Criticism Costing You?

Criticism can be a costly business mainly because as humans we're rarely open to it and we tend to take it personally! So if you're about dish out a serving of the Big C make sure you have a smart plan in place...

Little Pointers That Will Save Your Popularity

It's all well and good being open and honest and letting people know what you think, but it's equally as important to ensure that your criticism is constructive so that you aren't seen as judgemental or overly negative.

Follow these simple tips to make sure your criticism is more than a personal ego boost: -

1. Avoid Unnecessary Criticism

It's important to make sure you recognise the good things that people do instead of focussing purely on their faults. Unnecessary criticism is simply a personal ego boost that does nothing other than give the criticiser a false sense of 'being a better person'. Avoid criticising where possible.

2. Offer Encouragement

If you need to criticise make sure it's sincere and that you offer suggestions for improvement as well as encouragement and recognition for the good things that have been done. By encouraging the good qualities in someone they will be more receptive to your comments and ideas.

3. Avoid Moralising

When people need correcting we shouldn't avoid doing it, however it's important to be professional at all times. For example, if you point out a mistake avoid adding any unnecessary judgements about how bad the person is to do it - this will only make them defensive and less willing to act on your suggestions.

Have you criticised someone recently? What strategy did you use? Or have you been criticised yourself? How did it make you feel? Post a comment and let us know.

What you focus on is what you get!

What you focus on is what you get. If you focus on problems, you will get problems, and if you focus on solutions you will get solutions. Don't exclude all the other options and possibilities around you - choose your focus today and don't lose sight of it when there are bumps in the road.

Take a few moments out of your day, right now, to jot down 3 things you're focusing on. Then write down whether they are problems or solutions. If you are focusing on your problems it's time to reframe them, change your perspective, and focus on the solution instead. Simply having a conscious awareness of the choices that are available to you is the first step to finding focus.