Tag: Attitude

3 Things You Can Learn From Constructive Critics

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To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing – Elbert Hubbard

A story is told of Winston Churchill who exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering. “That’s Winston Churchill.” “They say he is getting senile.” “They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men.” When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned to the men and said, “Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!”

As a leader you will have your critics. It comes with the territory. While many are quick to tell you to not to listen to your critics and to disregard them, I will tell you – not so fast. Not all criticism is fatal just as all praise is not flattering. You must look at the motive.

To be sure, there will be critics who for no other reason than jealousy will oppose you and try to stand in your way while you are achieving your goals and dreams. If their motives are to harm you and not to help you, then yes, you need to ignore them. They are not running your race and they will not be a part of your destiny. Don’t worry about them.

But once in a while a constructive critic comes along whose motives are right and if you are receptive you can benefit from them. Leaders are not above correction and there is always room for improvement. What can you learn from your constructive critics? Plenty. Here are three specific things that might be helpful.

How to develop a thick skin

The sooner you develop a thick skin the better. As a leader you are exposed to a higher than normal amount of criticism from all sides. The decision you make today may anger one group in your office, while a decision tomorrow will have the opposite effect.

It’s easy for people to criticize decision makers when they don’t have to live with the responsibility of the decision. But the criticisms can still sting nonetheless. Developing a thick skin as a leader is a necessity for your longevity. It’s a way of life for you as a leader so get used to it.

Why perceptions matter

Most people’s opinion of you as a leader is based in part on perceptions. Some people’s perceptions may be positive while for others it’s negative. Many factors can contribute to this viewpoint. A person with frequent interaction with you will see your leadership style one way, while a person with limited exposure will see it another. The question is: are you aware of the perceptions others have of you?

You want to give the perception that you are approachable, likable, competent, and that you have your people’s best interest at heart. And if you will allow them, your critics will let you know how you are doing. Though they may be few in number; keep your constructive critics close. In the end they will be more valuable to you than a room full of “yes people” ever will.

How you can improve

Leaders need constructive critics. They will give perspective that you may be lacking, insights you need to know, and will stand with you when times are tough. As a leader there is always room for improvement. You never stop learning. But how can you improve when you have blind spots that are not being brought to your attention?

Your growth and development as a leader is proportional to your desire and ability to learn. It’s a process that involves many components that are traditional in nature but also those that are very personal. It’s one thing to shrug off and dismiss a critic who has no interest in your success. But your best learning will occur when you ask for constructive critics who share in your success and will give you honest feedback.

Final thoughts

As a leader it’s important to differentiate between the critics who oppose you out of their own insecurity, jealousy, or ulterior motives and those who are your constructive critics. It’s not too hard to figure out. One group will stab you in the back while the other group will have your back and support you. One group will stand with you through thick and thin, the other group will cut and run – you get the picture.

Your responsibility as a leader is to discern between the two and align yourself with the right people. Your success as a leader will occur when you are not too proud to listen to your constructive critics and smart enough to ignore the others.

What do you say?

 

© 2014 Doug Dickerson

 

 

Leadership Minute: Reign in Your Ego

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You need enough ego to believe you matter but not so much that you ignore others. –Dan Rockwell

One of the dangers of your leadership is that of an over-inflated ego. If not careful, leaders who achieve a certain level of success can make the mistake of believing that everything revolves around them. The danger worsens when you believe you matter more than you do and by ignoring others in the process.  While it’s good to believe in yourself you should not be writing your own biased headlines. Strive to make a difference and be grateful for your success. Your accomplishments matter but not nearly as much as the people around you. Don’t let your ego be the stumbling block as it relates to your growth as a leader. Remember, it’s not about you. You will keep your ego in check when you seek to elevate those around you and serve with humility.

Leadership Minute: Learn All You Can

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I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him. – Galileo Galilei

Leadership is a life-long learning process. Class is always in session; it never ends. As leaders we have the ability to tap into many streams of learning opportunities. Be it a book, a workshop or seminar, or webcast. The point here is simple and direct –learn all that you can from as many sources as possible. Working around you are many people from whom you can learn. Some may be more beneficial to you than others, but from everyone you can learn something. A little humility is in order as it relates to what you can learn from your peers or others in your circle of influence. If you come across as a “know it all” then it might be a challenge to think you can learn from those around you. The question is – are you willing to learn? Don’t try be so above everyone around you that you can’t learn something new. You can. A smart leader realizes he doesn’t know it all and is humble enough to learn.

 

Leadership Minute: Risk and Recognition

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Today, I will remember that if there is no risk there is no recognition. – Jimmy Collins

Risk is part of a leader’s life. Does it always pay off? No. But one thing is certain – without risk there is no recognition. Risk-takers are peculiar. They had rather take big risks and fail than to play it safe and succeed. Risk-takers are those who see the same opportunity-in-waiting as the next person but with one major difference. The risk-taker will act. The risk-taker will dare to believe that what the other person deemed as impossible is actually possible. Pride in one’s work and the desire for achievement comes with measured risk, there is no recognition for the one who remains safe in the harbor. Are you ready to step out and take a risk? Are you ready to cast your sails and set out on an improbable journey of success? It’s not about throwing caution to the wind, but sometimes you have to put your sails into the wind if you want to succeed.

 

 

Leadership Minute: Taking the Bad with the Good

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Bad things happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. – Walter Anderson

One of the certainties of life and leadership is that bad things will happen. That doesn’t make you a bad person; it just means you are normal. How you respond to the bad things that happen defines your character and your leadership. Anger, frustration, and disappointment are common reactions. But you can’t let those emotions linger or control you. In addition, your people are looking at how you respond. Your reaction sets the tone others will follow. When bad things come your way why not use those experiences as stepping stones to developing your character and leadership? You are not immune from troubles and how you handle them will set you apart. Taking the good with the bad is about growth and development. No matter what comes your way, keep looking up. You are never more than just one reaction away from a response that can change your life for the better.

Leadership Minute: Common Occasions

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Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them. – Orison Swett Maarden

The down side to seeking extraordinary opportunities is that you may not see them very often. The upside to seeking ordinary opportunities and turning them into extraordinary opportunities is that you could see them more often. A smart leader will seek out the ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. Common occasions are all around you. They are special moments in the making if your eyes are open to the possibilities before you. If you are sitting around waiting for the next big thing to come your way you will likely miss out on creating your own. Common occasions and opportunities are your pathway to the extraordinary. Look no further than the last opportunity you passed up for being too small or not worthy of your time. Seize the moments that come your way. What may be small today could be an extraordinary event waiting to happen.

Leadership Minute: Your Hopes and Dreams

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Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what is still possible for you to do. – Pope John XXIII

One of the most important things you can do as a leader is to never give up on your hopes and dreams. They are the lifeblood of your heart and the passion that drives you. We’ve all faced setbacks and disappointments that have tried to discourage us and cause us to give up. It’s part of our learning and growth. But the challenge today is not to dwell on things of the past; especially the defeats and failures; they are but stepping stones on your success journey. Be encouraged today to embrace your hopes and dreams. Dare to believe that your best days are ahead of you and that all things are possible. Don’t allow fear, frustrations, or unfulfilled potential to hold you back. This is your day to embrace your possibilities and look to the future with hope and confidence.

Leadership Minute: Nicer Than Average

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The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. – Andy Rooney

Be nice. It’s a simple enough concept and is one that we were taught from an early age. The beauty of the idea is that once it’s developed it will serve you well in all areas of your life. Enter your role as a leader. Being nice as a leader does not mean that you have to be a pushover and not be firm. It doesn’t mean that you are naïve and are not business savvy. Being nice is a reflection of your character and how you treat people is important to you. Being nice is a matter of respect for those around you even if you don’t happen to like them. Let’s face it; some people are just jerks and being nice to them can be a challenge. But being nice is not about them – it’s about you. You can be better than average by being nicer than average. Give it a try!

Leadership Minute: Learn From Your Mistakes

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If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner. – Tallulah Bankhead

Of the vast experiences you will have as a leader making mistakes will rank pretty high on the list. It’s what leaders do. Granted, the fewer the better, but it’s part of your growth process. Your growth and maturity as a leader comes from taking risks, not settling for average, and by believing that you can achieve your goals. By embracing this attitude you are setting yourself up to make mistakes. It happens. So what’s the payoff? The rewards come and satisfaction is found when you know how to turn those learning experiences into positives. Past mistakes are simply signposts on your success journey. Each experience is teaching you and sharpening your leadership skills. When you are not afraid to make mistakes the faster you will achieve your goals. The question is not will you make mistakes, but rather, what will you learn?

Leadership Minute: Vocabulary Test

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The word impossible is not in my dictionary. – Napoleon Bonaparte

Words are important. From them your belief systems are formed and realities are defined. As a leader you will inspire confidence and courage based upon your word selection. What message do you want to send? To be sure, you will face many obstacles and challenging circumstances will always be a companion on your journey to success. But when the word impossible enters your vocabulary you then marginalize your leadership and the chances of success for your team. When your words sow seeds of doubt about the obstacles before you then that doubt will serve to magnify the challenge. The challenge of your leadership is to sow seeds of faith and to instill confidence. This happens by the words you speak. It doesn’t make the challenge or obstacle any less real; it simply means that you choose to not be defined by them. The sooner you take the word impossible out of your vocabulary the better off you will be.