Receiving testimonials are wonderful, aren't they, Lisa? Someone takes the time to praise you in writing so others will know how great it is to work with you. I love getting testimonials! Not only is it a great stroke to my ego, I shamelessly admit, but it is also a validation that I continue to add value to my clients and positively impacting their lives.
However, the same is not true when we receive a complaint, right? Hopefully this is something that occurs very rarely! How do you respond? How do you handle criticism?
A woman approached me after I spoke at a women's breakfast recently and asked me how she should respond to a negative letter she had received.
After a brief discussion, it was clear the person writing the letter was not going to be pleased from the start. First, she complained about the fees--after the services began. She continuously grumbled at every turn.
And then, she refused to pay part of the bill for added services.
Has something similar ever happen to you? How would you respond?
I shared with her the fact that you cannot have really, really good without having really, really bad. It is what is referred to as The Law of Polarity. Everything has its opposite. Up has down, in has out, big has small, etc. So, you cannot have someone saying great things about you without someone saying something bad. It is part of growing and evolving.
Miguel don Ruiz mentioned is his book, "The Four Agreements," people do not say or do things TO you, they say or do things FOR them. That means that when someone praises or criticizes you, don't take it personally. It is not
about you, it is about them--what they feel or think.
The only thing you are responsible for is to always do your best with what you have and do what you are meant to do. How others react to what you give is not in your control. So, as you continue to go about your business and serving with your gifts and talents, know that receiving criticism is part of the course.
Stay focused on the value you provide, do the best you can and pay more attention to the praises than the criticism. It is not about you, so don't take it personally!
Entrepreneur, Coach, National Speaker and Author, Jo Della Penna publishes The Business of You E-Zine with over 1,500+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your business, make more money, and have more joy and excitement in your life, get your FREE tips now at www.TheBusinessofYou.com.
