Do critics & speculators always have to be viewed as naysayers and opponents?

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Year-end transitional thoughts for some individuals focus on a person’s critics and speculators during both the ending year and years of the past.

But, do we always have to view critics and speculators as naysayers and opponents; or can we sometimes readily accept their pointed feedback as real-time data to be used to help us make better informed decisions, and help improve interpersonal and business relationships during an upcoming year?

We might agree that this is sometimes not the first approach that comes to mind once criticism is directed our way.

Dale Carnegie, in his world-famous book How to Win Friends & Influence People, explains in an early chapter:

“Criticism is futile because it puts a person on the defensive and usually makes him strive to justify himself. Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person’s precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment.” (Chapter 1 -- pgs 33-34)

Mr. Carnegie well understood and acknowledged the fact that we are all at sometimes subject to be the recipients of criticism and speculation.

He also demonstrated through his writing a clear understanding of the challenges associated with criticism and/or complaints about a person’s actions and/or words.

Copyright: Carnegie Family

In a later chapter of his book he details a proven formula that can be used to help with this:

“Most people trying to win others to their way of thinking do too much talking themselves. Let the other people talk themselves out. They know more about their business and problems than you do. So ask them questions. Let them tell you a few things. If you disagree with them you may be tempted to interrupt. But don’t. It is dangerous. They won’t pay attention to you while they still have a lot of ideas of their own crying for expression. So listen patiently and with an open mind. Be sincere about it. Encourage them to express their ideas fully.” (Chapter 6 – pg 190)

Criticisms and complaints are unavoidable at times. Recognizing this to be the case and responding to them accordingly may help us keep this “real-time data” in perspective as we look to enter a new year with a confident, collaborative, and cooperative outlook.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)