Why you need criticism to grow

Just as there is no success without failure, there is no improvement without criticism. Many of us likely are our own worst critic, but being able to take someone’s constructive criticism in stride and grow from it is the sign of a great leader.

In a recent blog, leadership guru Dan Rockwell explains how criticism, if poorly handled, can derail leadership. Instead, he offers ways to help leaders “gain advantage from criticism”:

• Courageously open your heart. Humility is an important trait for leaders to have. Humble leaders acknowledge their limitations, delegate responsibilities effectively, and demonstrate that they care about people’s wellbeing. One quality that does not fall under this trait: defensiveness. Rockwell says, “defensiveness derails growth and development,” so he offers some mantras to keep leaders down-to-earth:

 

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