One of the greatest indicators of mature leadership is when we are willing to learn from those who oppose or criticize us rather than blowing them up or off. I have developed a minority offender concept that I use in all executive coaching. This simply means, find the truth in what they are saying and assume responsibility to apologize and change. This Carey Nieuwhof post covers that and a lot more:
“Criticism is an almost daily staple for most leaders. You get everything from side comments, to direct challenges, to people who walk out the door, to anonymous notes sent to you by people with no courage.
You dread it. I dread it. Who doesn’t? In fact, it can completely derail your day, your week, and your work.
I can’t tell you how many times I have a completely sarcastic, immature and emotional response ready for my critics as soon as they sting me.”