Using the P.L.A.C.E Framework

Staying Grounded When Criticism Feels Overwhelming Using P.L.A.C.E. 

I still remember the first time I presented our new journey planner app to the Board. It was something I was genuinely excited about, an app designed to make everyday commuting easier by integrating local transport routes, timings, and service updates in real time.

I was barely halfway through my presentation when one of the Board members leaned back and said with a hint of impatience, “But how does this compare with global giants like Google Maps? They have already solved this problem at scale.”

I could feel heat rising in my chest and a sharp reply forming at the back of my throat.

That was the moment I remembered P.L.A.C.E.

I took a breath. That simple act stopped me from reacting defensively. Then I acknowledged what I was feeling. I told myself quietly, “I feel dismissed. It hurts because this project means a lot to me and I want it to be seen for its value.”

Next, I asked myself, “Why does this cut so deeply?” And the answer was clear. It was not just about the app. It was about credibility. I wanted the Board to see that this was not some vanity project. It was a tailored solution designed for our local commuters in a way global apps could not replicate.

So I chose to respond with calm clarity. I said,

“That is a fair question. Google Maps is excellent for global navigation, but it does not capture the everyday realities of our local commuters. Our app is built to integrate live service updates, last mile connectivity, and even ticketing options unique to our system. Let me show you how this makes the daily journey smoother in ways larger apps do not address.”

The tone shifted. Instead of shutting down, the Board leaned in. They began to see what we had been working on with fresh eyes.

Afterwards, I reminded myself that I had managed that moment without letting frustration speak for me. I had kept the focus on the idea, not the criticism. And in doing so, I showed that I could stay steady under pressure.

This is the power of P.L.A.C.E. Pause, Label, Ask, Choose, Empower. It does not make the sting of criticism disappear, but it gives us space to respond in a way that protects both our dignity and our credibility. Whether it is a Board meeting, a family conversation, or a tough moment with a colleague, PLACE helps us move from being hijacked by emotion to showing up with clarity and composure.

How to Get Better at Using P.L.A.C.E.

1. Practise in low-stakes situations. Try it with everyday irritations like curt emails or long queues.
2. Rehearse possible scenarios. Anticipate comments you often face and imagine how PLACE could help.
3. Journal after tough moments. Write down what happened and walk through the steps to strengthen awareness.
4. Role-play with a peer or coach. Mock practice makes it easier to apply under real pressure.
5. Master the pause first. Catching yourself before reacting is the hardest — and most important — step.

Over time, P.L.A.C.E stops feeling like a checklist and becomes second nature. It isn’t about suppressing emotion, but about creating space between the trigger and your response so you can show up with clarity, credibility, and care.

If you would like to practise using this framework in your own life, I have created a simple downloadable guide with examples and worksheets. You can get it here: [Download the P.L.A.C.E. Framework PDF].

Let me know how it goes!