Ep #206: Meeting Criticism with Compassion, Curiosity and Courage

The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers with Paula Price | Meeting Criticism with Compassion, Curiosity and Courage

Have you ever found yourself replaying an imaginary conversation in your head, anticipating criticism that hasn’t even happened yet? I recently caught myself doing exactly this—mentally preparing for criticism from someone in my personal life. It made me realize just how powerful criticism can be, affecting our actions and decisions even when it’s merely anticipated rather than actually received.

 

Criticism is an unavoidable part of professional and personal life, especially for lawyers. Whether it comes from colleagues, bosses, clients, opposing counsel, family members, or friends, criticism can feel like an assault on our senses. Many of us respond by criticizing back, becoming defensive, complaining to others, or worst of all, avoiding situations where we might be criticized—effectively playing small to protect ourselves.

 

In this episode, I’m sharing strategies I wish I’d learned earlier in my career for handling criticism effectively. By meeting criticism with compassion, curiosity, and courage, you can process feedback constructively and confidently rather than letting it hold you back. These tools will help you stop avoiding criticism and instead learn to use it as an opportunity for growth, ultimately giving you the freedom to take bold steps toward your goals without fear of judgment.

 

 

Leadership for Women Lawyers is my six-month group coaching program dedicated to supporting women lawyers, just like you, in your practice and your personal life. Click here for more information and stay tuned for the next opportunity to register.

 

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:
  • How to recognize the different sources of criticism in your life, from workplace critics to your inner critic.
  • Why people criticize others and the unconscious motivations behind critical behavior.
  • The three powerful strategies for handling criticism: compassion, curiosity, and courage.
  • How to find compassion for both the critic and yourself when facing criticism.
  • Why approaching criticism with curiosity can transform it into a valuable learning opportunity.
  • The importance of courageous conversations and decisions when processing criticism.
  • How developing these skills can increase your confidence and free you to pursue challenging goals.

 

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