Turning a Negative Into a Positive

11 Comments 04 April 2011

We all make mistakes. Online, it seems, it’s easier than ever to point out those mistakes. Whether it be through posting a review or just commenting on a post, with just a few keystrokes we have the ability to make someone’s mistake public. This can definitely be frustrating to the person or business making the alleged error.

Naturally, when we don’t agree with the way we are being reviewed our first instinct is to get defensive. No one likes to be wrong, and people, in general, do not like to fail. In fact, the fear of failure is one of the biggest.

I’ve often talked about embracing those critics and learning from those experiences. Why? Inspiration. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from someone or an experience that is positive. We often think of it that way, but I also like to view negative reviews or experiences as a way to learn and take away a positive.

Next time someone criticizes you or your business I challenge you to react differently. I don’t expect you to not get upset, but please try not to get defensive. If you get upset be mad at the fact something went wrong, but don’t get upset with the person pointing out the error. Their perception is most likely their reality. I believe these are great opportunities to innovate and find a better way.

I saw these “Like” and “Dislike” stamps the other day. At first I thought they were a clever idea, but after thinking about it I realized why I wouldn’t want to use the “Dislike” one. Just like Facebook, I’d rather find things to “Like”. Of course, there will be things I “Dislike,” but I’ll just use those as inspiration to point me in the direction to “Like” something else or find something positive. I may debate some facts or question some ideas along the way, but I’m always striving for kaizen. How about you?

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renee

LIKE LIKE LIKE your new blog Mark! I agree, it’s important to learn from constructive criticism even when every fiber in our being wants to fire back. My search for things to like is very fulfilling. I hope more people stop using the dislike stamp in their lives. Thanks so much for my new word for the week…Kaizen, LOVE IT!!

http://www.markjuleen.com Mark Juleen

Renee, thanks for the comment. You posting in both places makes me seriously consider adding Facebook comments to my blog. Have an inspiring day!

http://www.bsitko.com Bill Szczytko

Adding Facebook Comments would be a great idea. Let me know if you need help with that. (Doubt it but the offer stands)

I believe it’s true that most people won’t comment at all unless they are A) REALLY Unhappy or B) REALLY Happy. Underneath their anger lies something that you can probably can fix so embrace them. Great advice Mark.

http://www.markjuleen.com Mark Juleen

Seriously considering the fb comments. Weighing the value of backing them up vs. reach gained.

http://twitter.com/kimcoryfitness Kim Cory

As you know Mark I recently went through a situation on our Facebook page where things turned into a negative rather quickly by a fan. It can happen anywhere online and in the blink of an eye, but it’s how you handle the situation that can turn the negative around or better yet forgotten about. At some point people take all the negative with grain of salt and move on. No one wants to live on a negatively island, so don’t let it turn out that way. Take control, change things up on how you respond and always know there are many of us out here willing to listen and offer suggestions when you need help! Great reminder and tips Mark.

http://www.markjuleen.com Mark Juleen

It’s frustrating to go through things like you did. In the end you’re better prepared for the next situation. Taking that positive away should be what gives you peace of mind moving forward. Thanks for sharing Kim!

http://notixtech.com Matt

Great post. “Inspiration doesn’t have to come from someone or an experience that is positive.” This is very interesting. Although it may be obvious, I hadn’t thought about it before. So inspiration can come from negative experiences too.

“We often think of it that way, but I also like to view negative reviews or experiences as a way to learn and take away a positive.”

Can’t tell you how much that says about you as a person. A quote I often repeat from John Wooden is, “Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out.” This may be speaking more to adversity, but the fact most people fight negative feedback with negative energy says a lot about them. You’re ability to adapt to feedback and take something positive away, and to be open-minded and listen to what others say is a very admirable trait to have. It will help you win in life.

http://www.markjuleen.com Mark Juleen

Johnny Wooden (as Mr. Hart calls him) is truly an inspiration. Character can mean more than anything. Too often we can get caught up in the negative, and have to know when to let go. I guess instead of just letting go, I try to use that negative to point me somewhere else.

I think back to bosses I’ve really liked, and bosses I really haven’t liked. I take away inspiration from both in how to be and how not to be. It’s always a work in progress of course. Thanks for the comment Matt!

http://www.thetrainingfactor.com/ Jonathan Saar

Great challenge that needs to be put in front of us daily. We are bombarded by examples in media and just in life in general where the instant recourse to a negative situation is to act in kind. Sometimes counting to 10 just does not cut it. One of the old motto’s I used with my team in Florida was: “Don’t let me people change who you are” In other words if you have sound fundamental principles you live by then how others choose to live their life should have little or no bearing on what you do. Live and learn from everything as your post states Mark. Thanks for putting this out there.

http://www.markjuleen.com Mark Juleen

Politicians and the general media thrive on the negative. One reason I enjoy social media even more. It’s so much easier to filter what I want and highlight positives. Thanks for sharing J!