From time to time I find that other people will express their disapproval of something I did based on my perceived faults or mistakes.

Being critical of other’s or perhaps even self critical is normal human behaviour; dealing with criticism effectively is however very difficult and in my experience relatively unusual.  Yet it is one of the key emotional intelligence attributes which I observe  in highly effective people.

Embracing Criticism

Being able to accept others ideas and suggestions, regardless of how hurtful they may be, can provide us with leverage to either improve ourselves or others.

Overcoming the instinctive emotional reaction of anger or annoyance is extremely difficult but conscious analysis of the critical information enables us to respond in the most effective manner.

Using Information to your Benefit

In this context accepting criticism is not meant  to imply agreement but rather acknowledgement that it exists and needs to be dealt with.

Ignoring the criticism without consideration or responding with an instinctive emotional reaction will typically not provide the best result.  Most often this leads to adversarial behaviour.

Embracing the critics and either adopting their suggestion or gaining their understanding and cooperation (i.e., support) for your actions is far more effective.  Albeit much harder to accomplish.

Avoid Antagonism

Most often criticism is the beginning of the end.  It leads to conflict based on anger and dislike.  Collaborating effectively with others requires the ability to use criticism (perceived or real) in a positive way to avoid going down a rat hole.

Those with high levels of emotional intelligence recognize criticism from others will always occur at some points in time, using it for benefit rather than battle s always the best approach.