Criticism is a veiled wish

It’s natural when others criticise you to react defensively, especially if you assume they intend to undermine or disrespect your sense of worth and value.

But what if the opposite were true? What if you were open to explore the veiled wish in their criticism.

During a recent executive coaching conversation, he mentioned that others were critical of him for being “like a vault” and not sharing his thoughts and feelings.

I invited he reflect on the veiled wish in their criticism of him. He thought about it and shared, “I guess they wish I would share more so they better understand me and possibly learn from me.”

In our defensive reaction to others’ criticism, we are closed off from seeing what they wish for us. In all criticism, there’s a veiled wish.  

A COMMITMENT

When next someone criticises you, stop and allow yourself to listen for what it is they are wishing for you. It may open up a world of possibility for you.