Although it was over 20 years ago when I was promoted to my first leadership position as an off-shift nursing supervisor, I clearly recall how excited I was about the challenge. After all, I became the boss.
After the initial, brief honeymoon period, I quickly learned that instead of having just one supervisor, I had hundreds. I wasn't only held accountable and responsible to my manager, I had to effectively and efficiently respond to all those I led. I wasn't evaluated by one, but dozens. My words, behavior, and actions were subject to scrutiny. What was this all about? I thought I was the boss!!
You don't have to hold a leadership position for long before realizing that you'll be subject to negative criticism. Your subordinates will critically judge how well you handle situations, your ability to compromise, and your decision-making capability. This constant assessment of your every act can be both stressful and intimidating[horizontal ellipsis]not to mention exhausting. If you don't handle criticism well, it will inhibit your efficacy and hinder your success. How can you keep up the courage and fortitude to lead when your every deed is under surveillance?
As you assume increasingly more responsibility, you'll need to leave your comfort zone, becoming the focus of even more intense and frequent criticism. This requires you to sharpen your leadership skills by staying acutely aware of your organization's culture, being considerate of the needs of those you lead, understanding your own strengths and limitations, and articulating clear expectations of established goals.
Just because others disagree with your stance on an issue doesn't mean that they don't respect you. Preserve your self-esteem by accepting criticism as a method to enhance your performance.
Consider seeking counsel from others-an essential first step in learning how to positively receive criticism. A mentor or more seasoned manager is a good resource to tap for guidance and suggestions. Listen to their stories on how they resolved difficult issues and attempt to relate them to your own experience. Ask your mentor to role-play with you so that you can receive objective feedback on how to effectively respond to challenges.
The former mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, was best known for asking, "How am I doing?" He wanted to hear the good and the bad so that he could more successfully lead. His constituents viewed him as being approachable because he was courageous enough to open the door for two-way communication. He effectively used the criticism that he received by making changes in the way he practiced. The hallmark of his tenure in office is marked by his ability to stay connected with the voters through listening and responding to their needs and concerns.
Be careful not to confuse criticism with personal insult. Inherent in leadership is that some will disagree with your opinions and the manner in which you handle situations. Separate your public position as a leader from your personal integrity. Just because others disagree with your stance on an issue doesn't mean that they don't respect you. Thus, it's important to minimize emotion when being criticized. Preserve your self-esteem by accepting criticism as a method to enhance your performance. Use criticism as a learning tool to better prepare yourself for future difficult situations.
History has taught us that many of our greatest leaders were targets of passionate criticism. Don't be daunted by critique; use it as a developmental strategy to achieve your organization's objectives. Turn negative criticism into positive actions. Staying committed to your values and vision for the future will enhance the outcome[horizontal ellipsis]even with a little criticism along the way.