What should be your first step when responding to criticism?

When responding to criticism, checking your own listening bias is essential because it helps you approach the situation with an open mind. Listening bias can cause you to interpret feedback negatively or defensively. By acknowledging your own biases, you can better understand the criticism, evaluate its merit objectively, and respond constructively. This approach fosters effective communication, allowing you to absorb valuable insights that may lead to personal or professional growth.

Recognizing any listening bias also encourages you to focus on the content of the criticism rather than getting caught up in emotional responses. This ultimately leads to a more productive conversation and can help build better relationships with colleagues or peers, as it shows you are willing to engage thoughtfully with feedback and consider different perspectives.