We can’t make the assumption that all our critics are crazy, frustrated or need counseling. That’s an easy crutch too many leaders lean on. But sometimes good people say and do bad things. And sometimes the blast comes with zero basis in reality….Discard it.

Criticism. You dread it. I dread it. Who doesn’t?

In fact, it can completely derail your day, your week, and your work.

So what do you do when it comes your way?

Can You Find A Criticism-Free Environment?

More than a few of us have dreamed of working in a place where no one criticizes anyone.

And, as a result, more than a few leaders have left a place of employment or ministry to find greener pastures where there won’t be as much opposition, only to be disappointed that criticism just seems to come with the territory wherever you go.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some toxic workplaces and there are definitely some toxic people (here are 6 early warning signs you’re dealing with a toxic person). And there are healthy workplaces and healthy people.

But even in a healthy environment, criticism is inevitable.

So how do you deal with it?

5 Ways To Make Criticism Sting Less and Grow From It

Here are 5 ways I’ve found to make criticism sting less and, in the process, respond in a way that helps me grow as a leader.

1. Don’t Respond for 24 Hours. Just Don’t.

Every time you get a critical email, a critical comment, a critical text or phone call, something happens inside you, doesn’t it?

Your heart starts beating faster. You feel hurt, even crushed depending on what they said. And sometimes you get angry….

So years ago, I made a rule.  When you feel an emotional reaction to criticism, don’t respond for 24 hours….

2. Ask Yourself: Is There Any Truth in This?

During those 24 hours, you can start asking sensible questions, the chief of which is “Is there any truth in this?”

Sometimes there’s not. But often there is….

3. Own What You Can.

Own whatever part of the issue you can….

4. Reply Relationally.

Just because they shot off an email in the dark of night doesn’t mean you should….

Take your response to criticism up one level from how they corresponded with you. Reply in a way that’s more relationally connected than how they initiated things with you….

5. Discard the Crud.

Even if you find some truth in what they said, own what you can and reply graciously and relationally, sometimes there’s still crud in the mix.

Discard it….

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