Five ways to face up to your critics

Yes its 'Mirror Mirror on the wall ' time.

Who is your biggest critic?

In my situation its become a crowded field over the years but despite stiff competition I give myself a harder time than anyone else has- yet.

And as an Entrepreneur I find myself under fire at regular intervals, in the main deservedly so.

So here is what you can do when you are facing criticism, whether you are a leader or you have simply not lived up to the expectation of you.

1. Show up. Let your critics see you for the leader who you are. Adopting a "hide in the bunker" attitude only plays to them. It gives them free rein to paint you however they like — demon, demagogue, or do-nothing. By showing up you demonstrate that you are not afraid.

2.Be open. If you are wrong then say you are wrong. Watch the person who tries to bluff their way out of a difficult situation and how rapidly they not only lose others respect but their own self respect too.

3.Be cool.When people criticize you to your face, breathe deeply. As an opponent's voice rises, lower yours. Speak deliberately and with a sense of calm. The more control you have of your emotions, the stronger you will appear.

4.Acknowledge your shortcomings.Standing up to criticism is an opportunity to admit your own failings. That isn't the same as being 'wrong' in  a decision you have made. Do it with a sense of earnestness, that is, demonstrate through words and passion that you have done what you think is best. At the same time, do not be defensive. Act with honest confidence, even when you admit mistakes.

5.Never pass the buck. Unhappy customer? Deal with it personally. Staff morale low? Speak to the peron/people personally . In fact invite people to criticise you, in a constructive way.

Every month I review what my role is and how I am doing against it, and what I have to do to improve.

Then I talk to some other people who matter to me and compare where I need to improve.

Comments

[Matthew Engquist]

Hehe! LOL @ "Be cool!" That is one heck of a job to do, especially when the pressure is on. Only a few can do that. And if you're one of the few, then that's a plus for you. Thanks for the nice tips!