Tag Archive for office politics

5 Ways To Better Handle Constructive Criticism

March 22, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments
You don’t like hearing criticism. But sometimes it helps to know you need to improve in some areas. 
 
There are ways for more sensitive types to get this message, and today GenuLines will show you. 

(You can listen to this post by clicking my image below)

 

 

 

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5 Ways To Better Handle Constructive Criticism

The finger of criticismDo you often feel offended when someone tries to give you advice on how to better do something? Or how to handle a certain situation?
 
 
Does it bother you when someone at work points out your need for improvement?
If you do find yourself not being able to stomach a few good words of advice…
 
Accept That You Cannot Receive Constructive Criticism
If you do not accept something, you will never feel the need to change it.
 
Acceptance is the first and most important step toward criticism. Write Down What You Are Receiving Criticism For Why are you receiving criticism? How will writing it down help you?
 
• It shows how making changes can help you on a deeper level
 
• You can go back and see what you need to change if you find yourself reverting back to your old habits
 
• A written record can help you to progress in the long term as a result of fixing the problem when it occurs
 
Listen and Think
Don’t jump to conclusions when you’re receiving constructive criticism. But do LISTEN!
 
By listening, you are forming a good habit. This will make you easier to work with.
 
And it will also improve your communication skills. This is crucial.
 
By “thinking,” you can get a better understanding of your actions. It’ll make the correction process a lot easier and it will make more sense to you.
 
Get Opinions From Others
If you’re in a situation where many people are offering you constructive criticism, it may be time to let go of your ego. Consider others’ advice. It may help you to see what you’ve been doing
 
Open up to the suggestions of others and know that they’re only trying to help you become more productive.
 
Try It!
Putting your constructive criticism into action might surprise you. Often, we get defensive if we don’t agree with something.
 
But the best thing to do is to realize that making adjustments can improve the quality of our efforts.
Trying doesn’t hurt and it may show you a better way of doing something.
 
Learn To Handle Constructive Criticism
It is in your (And everyone else’s) best interest to be receptive to constructive criticism. This is how many of us learn and become the best versions of ourselves.
 
Constructive criticism is an important part of your personal growth.
 
JohnK 3-22-2021
 
Stick figure hears about criticismOverheard: “The trouble with most of us is that we’d rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.”
                             ~ Norman Vincent Peale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Complainers Can Learn to Appreciate Small Things

April 2, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
Complainers complain. It’s what they do. Are you dealing with such a person? If you are, consider the points in this GenuLines post and apply them to your situation.
 
banner helps complainers
 

Complainers Can Learn to Appreciate Small Things

 
woman complainingDo you know a chronic complainer? Someone who never seems to be happy about anything.
 
They find everything wrong with what others do. If there’s a new idea, they’ll knock it down.
 
They’re also the type of person who will interrupt others to make their point. They’ll do that because they know best.
 
 
 
But at some point, people start to ignore them. And they’re high on the list if cutbacks should ever hit the company, too.
 
Complainers have forgotten how to appreciate the small things in life.
 
They don’t realize that it’s difficult to get a new job and it takes much more time than it used to.
 
They don’t appreciate that they have a job.
 
Sometimes, chronic complaining can be a result of complacency. Since no one is listening to what the person says, it’s just easier to complain.
 
No company or situation is perfect, and sometimes it’s best when problems are out in the open. But there is a time and place for complaints and a correct way to air them.
 
If you have to complain offer up several solutions to the problem. That’s a productive use of complaining energy.
 
Call it problem recognition with applicable solutions.
 
There’s a critical difference between you and a chronic complainer. You appreciate your job or your situation.
Help the complainer
If you want to help a chronic complainer, point out the problem using a subtle approach. Instead of telling the person they complain too much, show them how to be grateful for the little things in life.
 
Remind them that you feel appreciative of the fact you have a job, etc.
 
Relate a story- may be about how your last job search was difficult. It took you months, and it made you realize that jobs are not easy to find.
 
Also, talk about how you appreciate your home life and your family and what it means to you. That’s a subtle approach.
 
The person may start to understand there is much to appreciate in everyday life. You can show that complaining is ineffective and may lead to problems down the road.
 
Aim to get friends and colleagues to relate to the same gratitude for work and family.
 
The chronic complainer may start to see it pays to be appreciative.
 
JohnK 4-2-2019
 
 
stick figure hears complainersOverheard: “Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.”
                               ~Proverb
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for complainers
 
 
 
 

5 Confidence Tips for Dealing With Strong Personalities

July 3, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments
Does your confidence take a tumble around mid-week? Do you roll your eyes as you say the words “hump day?”
 
Is there a strong personality leaning on you? And if so, what do you do?
 
Chi For Yourself wants you to find that sweet spot between “monster” and “doormat.” So the following tips are offered for your consideration–
 
 
 
Subscribe to GenuLines- get CHI FOR YOURSELF guest information and more!
 
 

ARTICLE:

 

 
We’ve all come across people with strong personalities. image for confidence
But what exactly does this mean?
 
It’s difficult to find one definition of a “strong personality.” Urban Dictionary online defines it as “an aggressive person; a difficult person.”  
 
Others use the following descriptive terms: intimidating, overbearing, impatient, intolerant, controlling, bullying behavior.
 
You want to deal with these strong personalities without punishing your confidence level.
 
Fortunately, there are ways to do this. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.  
 
1. Get to know the person underneath –
 
You can’t over-emphasize this point.  Getting beneath a person’s tough exterior can help you understand why that person is the way he/she is. 
 
Family of origin for example.
 
You may be dealing with an oldest child. One who came from alcoholic parents, and had to raise three brothers and sisters. 
 
Ways to get to know the person include engaging him/her in conversation.  At the start, it may be a sincere compliment about a new hairstyle or a new coat, or asking how his/her weekend was.
 
You want to stay on that person’s good side, and you can do this by being likable and friendly.  In turn, you’re also likely to pick up on traits about the person that you like.  
 
2. Don’t take it personally –
 
Strong personalities tend to be direct and they don’t mince words.  If you learn to shrug off the way something is said to you, you’ll do well. 
 
3. Stay calm – 
 
People with strong personalities are up to the challenge of arguing their point. So it’s better not to go there. 
 
Stand your ground, but don’t let it get to the point of an argument.
 
4. Use humor –
 
Let’s say someone is barking orders at you even though you have a good relationship with them. (as explained in tip #1 above). Consider using humor. 
 
You could say, “Sure, I can do that, but I expect you to buy me a coffee when we go for break.”  In this way, you’re acknowledging a request, but you’re showing that you’re not taking it to heart.  
 
5. You have valuable ideas too –
 
Often people with strong personalities are testing you.  They don’t like to see weakness in others as much as they don’t like it in themselves. 
 
Keep your confidence up by speaking clearly and with conviction, but do it kindly.  Don’t be a wishy-washy type of person who can’t make a decision. 
 
If you can’t come to an agreement on something, don’t walk away exasperated.  Instead, leave room for discussion later. 
 
It may go nowhere later too. But at least you keep your self-respect and the knowledge that you can deal with all kinds of people.  
 
JohnK 7-3-2019
 
 
 
 
Image for confidenceOverheard: I am very confident. I look confident. I act confident. I speak in a confident way…
                                          ~ Milton H. Erickson