Criticism

Effective leaders can't please everyone, but they can make criticism constructive.

One of the most difficult emotional hurdles leaders face is handling criticism. There is a wise saying that goes “if you’re getting kicked in the rear it means you’re out front,” which means if you’re going to be a leader, you’re going to be criticized. So get used to it.

Aldous Huxley said, “The truth that makes you free is, for the most part, the truth we would prefer not to hear.” Here are the questions to determine whether criticism is constructive or destructive.

Who criticized you? Adverse criticism from a wise person is more desirable than the enthusiastic approval of a fool.

How was it given? Were the words judgmental or did they give you the benefit of the doubt? What was the spirit in which the criticism was given?

Why was it given? Was it given to inflict a personal hurt or for your benefit?

Jonas Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine, had many critics in spite of his grand accomplishments. He once made this interesting observation: “People will tell you that you are wrong. Then they will tell you that you are right, but what you’re doing is really not important. Finally, they will admit that you are right and what you are doing is very important. But after all, they knew it all the time.”

Your attitude toward words you do not want to hear determines whether you grow from them or groan beneath them. Be determined to not be defensive when criticized, to look for the grain of truth, make the necessary changes and take the high road.

--The Coaching and Leadership Journal

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