Leaders Manage Criticism; Emotion and Time.
As Leaders Manage Criticism
Leaders can naturally bank on these two truths; criticism always changes the good leader and poor leaders attack the criticizer [critic] or critique instead of looking at the issue being criticized. Criticism can be a tool for amendment for the leader and a leader knowing his scorecard. The challenge is that most leaders can’t handle criticism. They see it as a threat and, hence should be treated as insurgence, and see the criticizer as an insurgent. Criticizing and critiquing mean the same thing conceptually but differ contextually. Criticizing is mostly viewed as negative and destructive by people while critiquing is viewed as positive and constructive. At the denominator, i.e. base, what is important to me is that the leaders whose activities are been deeply looked into [analyzed], and I wish that all leaders, will see criticism from this lens instead of wasting their time looking at constructive or destructive criticism. I tell leaders, “Don’t mind semantics, all criticism; positive or negative, should help the leaders look at his scorecard or report card”. It is like an opposition group presenting another viewpoint to the leader, which can help the leader freely. Leaders get scared of opposition or criticism because of incompetence and insecurity [a big leadership disease]. To me, as a leader and leaders’ developer, criticism is a welcome development in disguise! So, what do I advise leaders on criticism?
How Should Leaders Handle Criticism?
- Leaders should understand the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. Constructive criticism is called critiquing.
- Leaders should look beyond the criticism and face the specific issues raised in the criticism squarely.
- Leaders should concentrate on their assignments, and change from their mistakes highlighted in the criticism instead of being on an ego trip.
- Leaders should guide their attitudes towards the critic, let it be non-destructive but sportsmanly.
Leaders, please, manage criticism profitably.
As Leaders Manage Your Emotions
General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “There are no victories at bargain prices.” When it comes to self-discipline, people choose one of two things: either they choose the pain of discipline, which comes from SACRIFICE and GROWTH, OR they choose the pain of regret, which comes from TAKING THE EASY ROAD and missing opportunities. Each person makes the choice.
Choose one!
We must look for two areas of self-discipline in potential or emerging leaders. The first is in the area of the EMOTIONS. Effective leaders recognize that their emotional reactions are their responsibility. How much of your emotions are in your control? 
As Leaders Manage Your Time
The second area concerns TIME. You are what you do with your time. QED. Every person on the planet Earth is given the same allotment of minutes in a day. However, each person’s level of self-discipline dictates how effectively those minutes are used. Disciplined people maximize the use of their time. how do you use your time? What do you do in your 12-hour day and 12-hour night? Leaders, it’s time to be effective.
Take Home
As leaders we are, do effectively manage our criticism, emotions, and time. Why? Leaders Manage Criticism; Emotion and Time.
Dr Mike Ihezuo is an Effective Living teacher and a Leaders’ Developer. Reach him on CONTACT.
