Coping with Criticism Constructively
John A. Huffman brings up an important theological aspect in the differentiation between destructive and constructive criticism. He writes:
You can only be as good as God helps you to be. You can be too sensitive to criticism. You and I have to remember our theology. We are not perfect. Any claim to perfection comes through Christ’s work on our behalf. Our human efforts will always fall short of that high goal. God wants something more than our best. He wants us to yield ourselves to Him. He wants us to be obedient (emphasis added).[15]
Contrary to what most people think, the apostle Paul makes it clear that the glory of God illuminates better through common clay jars with flaws than it does through rare crystal bowls with no flaws (2 Cor. 4:7).
Develop Appreciation for the Role of Critics
Leaders might think they would like to be delivered from all of their critics, but in reality they realize critics do them a genuine service. Without critics, there might not be anyone to keep leaders honest and motivated to do their best. As a case in point, David kept Nathan the prophet in his court even after the latter confronted the king about his sin with Bathsheba.[16]
Huffman says leaders should appreciate their critics because they protect them from themselves.[17] If nothing else, critics make leaders examine their own motives and methods more closely than they would otherwise.
When leaders model the proper way to receive criticism, they earn the right to expect their followers to give constructive criticism. This healthy reputation serves as just one of the fringe benefits of learning to receive criticism well. Another benefit would be to facilitate the change process in the organization. Then when problems arise, people will be quicker to point them out knowing the leadership will not overreact to their concerns.[18] With the proper modeling, followers will also learn how to receive constructive criticism themselves.
How well leaders cope with criticism reflects upon their integrity and the image of the organization they represent.[19] When leaders acquire the skills necessary to receive criticism constructively, they win over many friends and supporters to their church or cause.[20]
Constructive Practical Responses to Criticism
In addition to philosophical responses, leaders also have at their disposal practical means with which to respond to criticism. For example, leaders who stay spiritually and physically fit are better able to avoid overreactions to criticism. Wise church leaders force themselves to remain calm at the outset of criticism. Leaders can refuse to allow critics to exercise total control over their lives or ministries. They can likewise decline to fight with their critics. And, furthermore, leaders can take advantage of various other means of coping with criticism.
Stay Spiritually and Physically Fit to Face Criticism
A valuable suggestion made by Maxwell is for leaders to stay in shape physically and spiritually. When a person suffers from physical exhaustion or spiritual depletion, criticism becomes more difficult to cope with in a productive manner. Coping skills require physical energy and spiritual resources.[21] And, of course, leaders must also let go of past emotional traumas from childhood, or previous ministry settings, and personal sins lest they overreact to a criticism maybe unleashing a flood of pent up feelings long unresolved.[22]
Followers
Fans
