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Last week I offered a few strategies brands may employ when responding to negative comments online. This week, I wanted to offer a few tips for handling negative feedback that is directed at an individual.
The more information we share about ourselves online, the more our passions and projects are exposed to criticism. While it’s only natural to crave approval and praise, it’s unrealistic to expect that everyone will be wowed by our accomplishments. In fact, its almost guaranteed that each of us will at some point encounter negative comments about something we’ve worked hard to create. That moment can be very unsettling, but how we handle criticism says a lot about our character and chances for success.
In these moments, it’s important to ask ourselves a fundamental question: Is this constructive criticism and an opportunity to improve?
If the answer is yes, then we should learn from the feedback, admit to ourselves that we don’t know everything and engage the person in a dialogue. Other people can often teach us something we didn’t know, and even if we don’t necessarily agree with everything the person is saying, it’s healthy to look at ourselves and our work objectively. This affords us the opportunity to reach new levels of success.
But, if the criticism is merely the nasty negativism of a troll intended to hobble us and make us doubt ourselves, then it’s not worth our time or consideration. To be clear, I’m not talking about customer support inquiries. I’m talking about people who simply want to tear other people down, people who are just out there to lift themselves up at the expense of the successful.
Of course the real art is telling the difference. You typically know you’re dealing with a troll when the person:
- Says nothing positive;
- Dismisses you or your project entirely;
- Fails to be specific;
- Offers nothing actionable; and
- Seems to enjoy putting you down.
Once we’re able to sniff out the trolls in our lives, we’re better able to shut out the noise and focus on accomplishing our goals.
What strategies do you use to determine whether or not you’re dealing with a troll?
Photo Credit: Doug Wildman
