People who handle criticism well often have these 8 emotional intelligence traits

Taking criticism can be tough. But those who handle it well often share certain emotional intelligence traits.

To put it simply, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others.

People with high emotional intelligence don’t just react to criticism impulsively. They take a moment, process it, and use it constructively.

This article aims to unravel the 8 common traits that people with high emotional intelligence possess, which make them so good at handling criticism. Let’s dive in!

1) Self-awareness

One of the key emotional intelligence traits that people who handle criticism well possess is self-awareness.

Now, this isn’t about being self-absorbed. It’s about understanding and recognizing your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values.

Why is this important when dealing with criticism? Because when you are self-aware, you can objectively analyze the criticism you receive. Instead of reacting defensively, you’re able to assess whether the criticism is valid and how it can be used for personal growth.

Those with high self-awareness understand that criticism isn’t a personal attack. It’s a tool for improvement. And they use it as such.

Remember, while it’s not easy to face our faults, it’s essential for growth. And those who do it well often have a high degree of self-awareness.

2) Emotional control

Another emotional intelligence trait that’s key to handling criticism well is emotional control.

I remember a time when I was working on a project and a colleague offered some harsh feedback. Initially, I felt a rush of anger and wanted to react impulsively. But I took a moment to step back and control my emotions.

Why? Because I knew that reacting out of anger wouldn’t solve anything. Instead, I decided to analyze the feedback and found that some of the points my colleague made were valid.

By controlling my emotions, I was able to turn a potentially negative situation into a positive learning experience.

This is what emotional control is all about – managing your emotions in a way that allows you to respond effectively to criticism. It helps you remain calm under pressure and handle the situation in the most beneficial way.

3) Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a crucial trait for handling criticism well.

When you’re empathetic, you can see criticism from the other person’s perspective. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but it can prevent you from getting defensive and allow you to have a more productive conversation.

Notably, a study conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership found that managers who showed more empathy towards their employees had better performance.

This suggests that empathy not only helps in handling criticism but also plays a vital role in leadership and team performance. Essentially, it allows you to turn criticism into constructive feedback and use it to improve both yourself and your team.

4) Open-mindedness

Being open-minded goes hand in hand with handling criticism well.

Open-minded individuals are willing to consider different ideas and perspectives, even those that challenge their own beliefs or values. Instead of dismissing criticism outright, they listen attentively and weigh the merits of the feedback given.

This trait allows them to take on board valuable insights that can lead to personal growth and improvement. It’s not about accepting every piece of criticism thrown their way, but rather being willing to consider and learn from it.

Possessing an open mind means viewing criticism as a tool for learning, rather than a personal attack. It’s a key emotional intelligence trait that can turn criticism into a stepping stone for success.

5) Resilience

Resilience is all about having the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. It’s about remaining strong, even when faced with harsh criticism.

People with this trait don’t let criticism crush their spirit or dampen their enthusiasm. Instead, they take it in stride, using it as fuel to better themselves and overcome challenges.

Each piece of criticism is seen as a learning opportunity, a chance to grow and improve. It’s not always easy – criticism can sting. But resilience allows people to bounce back, stronger and more determined than before.

So, remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding criticism or hardship. It’s about standing tall in the face of it and coming out stronger on the other side.

6) Confidence

Having confidence is key in how well someone handles criticism.

I recall a time when I was just starting out in my career. I was new, inexperienced, and a little unsure of myself. When I received criticism, it felt like a punch to the gut. I questioned my abilities and it shook my confidence.

But as I grew more confident in my skills and abilities, I noticed a change in how I handled criticism. It no longer felt like a personal attack, but rather an opportunity to improve and learn.

Confidence doesn’t mean you think you’re perfect. It means you trust in your ability to learn and grow. With confidence, criticism becomes less about questioning your worth and more about recognizing areas for improvement. Confidence gives you the strength to take criticism on board and use it constructively.

7) Patience

Patience is an often overlooked, but incredibly important trait when dealing with criticism.

Receiving criticism can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. You may feel the urge to immediately defend yourself or argue back. However, those who handle criticism well have the patience to listen, process, and then respond.

Patience allows you to take the time to understand the criticism fully before reacting. It creates a space for calm and thoughtful dialogue, instead of rash responses triggered by emotion.

In essence, patience transforms criticism from a potential conflict into a constructive conversation. It’s about taking a step back, understanding the feedback, and then using that understanding to improve and grow.

8) Optimism

The ability to maintain a positive outlook, or optimism, is a cornerstone trait in handling criticism well.

Optimistic individuals see criticism as an opportunity for growth, rather than a setback. They view it as valuable feedback that can help them improve and learn.

Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of criticism, they focus on the potential positives that can come from it. It’s about seeing the silver lining in every cloud of criticism.

Remember, optimism isn’t about ignoring criticism or pretending it doesn’t hurt. It’s about choosing to see how it can lead to better outcomes in the future.

Reflection: Traits as tools

The way we handle criticism is a reflection of our emotional intelligence. It isn’t about ignoring the sting or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s about using it as a tool for growth.

The traits we’ve discussed – self-awareness, emotional control, empathy, open-mindedness, resilience, confidence, patience, and optimism – aren’t just inherent characteristics. They are skills we can cultivate and enhance.

Like any skill, mastering them requires practice and patience. But once honed, they can help us transform criticism from a potentially negative experience into a source of personal growth and professional development.

As you navigate your journey of self-improvement, remember that criticism is not an attack on your identity but an opportunity for growth. Embrace it with an open heart and an open mind.

After all, as the saying goes, “Diamonds are formed under pressure.” You’re your own diamond, and each piece of criticism is a chance to shine brighter.