Positive Leadership: Embracing Constructive Criticism

“When you see yourself doing something badly, and nobody’s bothering to tell you anymore, that’s a very bad place to be. Your critics are the ones telling you they still love you and care.” Randy Pausch

Criticism has become almost taboo within the workplace – often avoided at all costs or reserved for the most extreme situations. And yet, constructive criticism is one of the most meaningful gifts you can receive from another.

Ask yourself this; if an individual had a piece of information that would make you a better professional, manager, team contributor, or person in general, wouldn’t you want to know it? Of course you would! So why do we view criticism in such a negative light? Are we really that scared of learning that we are doing something wrong or that we could be more effective if we acted differently?

Leaders understand that they cannot and do not do everything well. Leaders understand that they can always be better – they can always grow. Individuals who are willing to point out areas to us where growth is needed and should be pursued should be held in high regard. These individuals are the ones who are looking out for your personal and professional development. These individuals care about you most.

The next time someone criticises you, your work product or your actions, stop and seek to understand what they are attempting to convey. Their criticism may just be the best gift you have ever been given.

Positive Leadership: Embracing Constructive Criticism

Toyota's no-show leadership

The last time anyone looked, Toyota (the world's largest car manufacturer) was a Japanese company controlled by a Japanese family. But during the entire accelerator recall crisis -- now complicated by brake problems with the Prius -- they have been all but invisible.

Here is an interesting view on the challenges this approach poses for Toyota - http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/04/autos/toyota.fortune

Toyota's no-show leadership

Keeping Criticism of Leaders Positive

A well-worn axiom known to every person who has served on behalf of their country is that "it is a soldier's right to complain."


In recent days, there have been a spat of NFL players who have publicly complained about their coaches, ownership or front offices. Most of these players have done so to get traded. A player in a team sport has every right to voice his opinion, but only if those opinions are presented in a positive, constructive manner with the best interest of the team in mind. This is a form of leadership that is critical for success.

Teams cannot not win with only the leadership of great coaches - they need great players. Every recent team that claims the title "dynasty" in sports history has been led by great individual players who were not afraid to speak their minds, but did so for the good of the team, not themselves personally. These leaders saw ways to make their teammates, coaches and fans better players and people.

These teams include the Patriots, who are led by Tom Brady, Junior Seau and Teddy Bruschi; the Ravens, led by Ray Lewis, Trevor Pryce and Ed Reed; the Broncos, led by John Elway, Steve Atwater, and Rod Smith; and the Cowboys, led by Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. All of these players earned the right to be leaders with their work ethic, selfless devotion to their organisations and teammates that made those around them play better. Sometimes, criticism is necessary for improvement and calling out defects is necessary. Other times a mere pat on the back or an "attaboy" is all that is required.

The first amendment provides the freedom of all Americans to free speech and opinion. However, in the context of a team, the First Amendment will promote success if the statements are made for the betterment of the collective, and not the ego of the individual. Every player has that right to complain, but in order to succeed in the NFL, it had better be to benefit those around you.

Keeping Criticism of Leaders Positive

Are You a Positive Critic? ...... It's in Your Best Interest to Be!

A positive critic, whether giver or taker, is one who can consistently get the power of positive criticism. Since there are hundreds of empirical studies that indicate giving and taking criticism positively is a key attribute of successful individuals, productive organizations, and joyful relationships, it is in your best interest to be a positive critic.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hendrie-weisinger/are-you-a-positive-critic_b_282823.html

Are You a Positive Critic? ...... It's in Your Best Interest to Be!

For Best Results, Take the Sting Out of Criticism

Here is an interesting article from The New York Times showing the importance of learning to both give and receive criticism well -

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/29/business/29shortcuts.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

For Best Results, Take the Sting Out of Criticism