Seth Godin wrote an article on the difference between advice and criticism. 
In the light of being the object of criticism, he explains that it is “quite natural to be defensive.”
The article truly arrested my interest by this definition of what a critic is: “The critic is often someone with an agenda that’s different from yours.”
Excellent insight! And that is what establishes the plumb line between advice and criticism. It all comes down to the agenda that motivates the feedback.
But when feedback is solicited, what is offered can be well-meaning, insightful and constructive.
Godin continues by warning us, “If you confuse that with criticism, you’ll leave a lot of wisdom on the table.”
When We Leave Wisdom on the Table
When you aren’t hearing what is being said?
When you begin to defend what you do?
Assuming their motive is negative
Resisting the possibility that what is being said is true
Unwillingness to integrate and adapt (eat the meat and spit out the bones)
Instead
Try on what they are saying
What would it look like?
How would you apply it?
What might happen as a result?
At worst, it won’t work.
At best, it works.
Either way, the person giving the advice feels heard, and in this noisy world, that is relational gold.
Check out Seth’s blog: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2015/01/advice-or-criticism.html