“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”  Luke 6:26

Criticism is a part of life, and some people are masters at it.  Therefore, it is critical that we learn how to manage criticism and critical people.  This is especially true of those who serve in leadership positions.  As a leader, there is no avoiding criticism.  However, the truth of the matter is that we all face criticism sooner or later.  We must simply learn to deal with it.  Below are some tips to help us along the way:

• You will NEVER please everybody. Don’t even try.
• There is probably a kernel of truth to most of the criticisms you hear. Take the kernel, learn from it, and try to do better.
• Learn how to apologize and admit your mistakes. It takes courage to do this, especially for leaders, but it is the right thing to do.
• Don’t get defensive, and don’t try to provide an answer or explanation for every criticism you hear. Sometimes the best and most mature response is to simply listen.
• Learn how to “let it go.” The Sermon on the Mount makes it clear how we are to treat those who mistreat us.  A fair exchange is not always an option.  Sometimes we must be willing to be mistreated and misunderstood without being justified or vindicated in the end.
• Pray for your critics. It softens the heart and makes it possible for you to continue to genuinely love them.
• Strive to see yourself as you truly are. It makes it easier to know which criticisms have merit and which ones don’t.
• Down the road, the criticisms won’t bother you as much as they do in the moment. Try to remember that – in the moment.

This is a journey, and I certainly haven’t arrived yet – but I’m working on it.  One thing I’ve appreciated over the years is that, facing criticism has definitely made me a better person – not so much because of the specific criticisms I’ve faced (although some of it has been helpful), but because of the ways I’m learning to respond to them.  It makes me smile to think about responding in ways that honor God and mirror Christ – which is our goal and heartfelt desire.

For those of us who struggle a little (or a lot) as people-pleasers, this skill is a must.  Let’s endeavor to grow in our ability to accept and, when necessary, embrace the criticism of others.