John Wesley talked about pride in terms of not believing someone we seriously disagree with might have something to teach us. Perhaps more than any others, those persons may teach us that we “don’t know what we don’t know.”
1. Don’t ignore criticism
Many leaders respond to criticism by not responding; they disregard it. We must be careful that we don’t allow our pride to diminish the value of others’ assessment of us. It is true that many people especially relish seeing fault in people who are thought to have no fault. Note the news media response to public leaders, especially religious leaders, who have moral failures.
However we choose to handle it, criticism is not to be ignored, it must be reckoned with. Does the criticism reflect some weakness or failure that you need to own and respond to?
2. Don’t become defensive
Truth telling and truth revealing are critical. If the criticism we receive has to do with style of leadership, we need to examine it carefully and determine if there are changes that we need to make in order to be more effective.
Sometimes people are critical of us because of the “kind of person” we are – our personalities. Most of this does not call for defense.
3. Don’t play the victim
Our worst response, and least effective response, to criticism is to hunker down and assume the role of victim. So, in response to criticism, we need to ask ourselves:
Is this something I need to hear though I don’t want to hear it?
Is this criticism accurate, reflecting something for which I need to take responsibility? Transparent honesty and deep listening is our most redemptive response.