27. How To Handle Criticism

Hidden Potential: Connecting and Growing The Best We Can

Big thought:

One thing that comes with the role of being a leader is being heavily criticized. You become the focal point of the organization with a fish bowl effect, and some people will feel no hesitation in voicing their disagreements on how you handle certain things. While many aspiring leaders expect some criticism from the role, I think that many are surprised by who ends up getting upset, what they’re upset about and how they go about voicing their criticisms.

In this episode I’m going to unpack some clearer expectations that you can have as a leader when it comes to criticism, I’m going to show you how to filter the criticism in a healthy way, and I’m going to share my ideas on how you should respond to these instances.

The reason that this is so important to talk about is because many leaders end up getting blind sided by certain criticism. It’s easy to respond out of emotion in a way that doesn’t necessarily positively represent your leadership. And even worse, many leaders get overwhelmed at the criticism to the point where they give up a role that they were actually great at.

1. I just didn’t know.

You must guard your heart by knowing that there is constructive criticism that comes from people that either care about the mission or care about you. And then there is other “criticism” that is really just people talking trash because they think they would do it better than you. Those people often think that they’re more superior than others and spend their time casting judgment on those whose role they’re jealous of.

2. Now you know.

Once you realize that not every voice is necessarily a voice that you need to take too seriously, consider what people are saying and perceiving from your leadership. When someone shares something to you one-on-one, you should consider the weight of what they’re saying and consider it in your mind and heart.

3. Let them know.

I think that the way that we respond to criticism speaks the loudest. It is the opportunity to either show confidence, resolve and maturity or insecurity, ego and immaturity. With any response you must know that it’s not as much what you say but how you say it.

Take away:

1. Examine your most recent criticism to find an area to grow as a leader. Whether it’s from their feedback or if it’s from how you responded.

2. What is a 2mm shift that you can make in your leadership style this month?

3. Develop your go to response when receiving hash feedback. Decide in your mind and heart to be kind no matter what they say.

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