How to Handle Criticism

As a leader I deal with a ton of criticism every week. You have to be careful or after awhile it will make you hard and bitter. People run their mouths about everything, YES mainly "Christians". They gossip and talk behind your back without even giving a thought to what the Bible says about gossiping and criticizing. So I thought I would share some stuff that I am learning along these lines.

Lately I have let the critics get the best of me. But after praying and asking God for Wisdom, I believe He has helped me see some things more clearly.

When someone e-mails our office or calls, I will not listen to negative talk unless this person is committed to helping me grow - then I will listen.

The first question I always ask is, "What do you think is the best solution?" I love to see the look on their face when they say, "Well, I don't know, I just know I don't like this or that." T.D. Jakes said, "Don't bring me problems without solutions".

John Maxwell recently wrote about this issue. He said that
the higher up a person goes in leadership, the more criticism he or she will receive—guaranteed. While some criticism builds up, other criticism tears down. Leaders must learn to distinguish between the two.

The acid test of criticism is made up of three questions:

• Does the criticism have basis in fact?
• Is the criticism offered constructively (in an effort to help)?
• Does the critic have the insight and perspective to speak credibly?

When all three questions can be answered, "Yes," then a leader should take the criticism seriously and weigh its meaning. If any question can be answered, "No," then a leader is best served to let the criticism go in one ear and out the other.

(excerpt from http://www.maximumimpact.com/, a monthly online newsletter by John Maxwell)

I hope that I continue to grow and learn from the right people not the wrong people!