Comments on: Poor Baby! Did the Big Kids Say Mean Things About You?

By: Diane K. Danielson

Diane K. Danielson — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:46:29 +0000

Good post. This was something that came up at BlogHer Business last week. My view is like yours — take the high road. Besides, readers will recall that someone took the time to write about you much longer than they can recall what anyone actually wrote!

Diane K. Danielson
www.DowntownWomensClub.com

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:32:52 +0000

Very enlightening, useful, and relevant piece.

By: Allison

Allison — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:22:17 +0000

I’ve come across some bad blog press before. In one instance, the blogger had made a false assumption about the company mentioned. We left a polite comment correcting the information. No backlash from the blogger, and hopefully anyone who read the post also read the comments to get the whole story.

By: Louisa Ngum

Louisa Ngum — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:58:27 +0000

Very good article about handling criticism. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and as long as they aren’t altering facts that could be damaging to you or your company, I think it’s best choose not to hold a grudge and thank them for their comment.

You can’t please everyone. Also what I’ve learned from the “Inner Bonding Journal” is that we are in charge of our own feelings, positive or negative, so we choose how we want to feel about criticism, constructive or destructive.

However, if the statements of the criticism are false, then they must be corrected to avoid future problems.

By: Lisa D

Lisa D — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:34:40 +0000

I work with clients in all kinds of situations - from start-up non-profits, to companies getting sued. In my experience, it’s ALWAYS better to take the high road. I know it’s not as emotionally satisfying as hurling a few bombs at the naysayers - but you’ll come out ahead in the end.

I do think it’s absolutely appropriate to clear up misconceptions - politely and with class. And always give a little if you can. It leaves room for face-saving.

Sometimes I even take the extra step of at least attempting to make friends. If you live close, ask them to coffee or lunch. If you don’t, ask if you can schedule a quick phone call. It’s always harder to zing those you know well. Plus, if they do have a genuine gripe, you’ll get a better understanding of how and what to do different next time. Always being in a willing-to-learn mode makes life and work so much easier.