Coping with Criticism Constructively
Conclusion
In response to the question, ‘Why does God allow critics to attack leaders?’ several possible explanations exist. God may wish to correct leaders or bring balance into their lives. Or, God may want leaders to model for others how to receive criticism properly. And, God may even desire that leaders befriend their critics. Many people who criticize leaders are actually subtly crying out for help[42] But at the same time, leaders must learn how to manage their critics without harming themselves in the process. Prayerful implementation of these philosophical and practical responses will enable leaders to cope with criticism constructively.
PR
Notes
[1]Quoted in David Packer, “A Healthy Response to Criticism,” Church Administrator 40 (July 1998): 36.
[2]Erwin W. Lutzer, “How Do You Handle Criticism,” Moody Monthly 83 (April 1983): 83.
[3]William J. Diehm, Criticizing (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1986), 88.
[4]Ken Warren, “How to Read Your Critics: What 5 Different Detractors Say—and What They Really Need,” Leadership 19 (Spring 1998): 29.
[5]John C. Ortberg, “Breaking the Approval Addiction,” Leadership 13 (Summer 1992): 38.
[6]Ibid., 39.
[7]Diehm, 104-5.
[8]Kate Anderson, “Handling Criticism with Honesty and Grace,” Public Management 82 (May 2000): 30; [database on-line]; available from Infotrac, http.://www.cbc.ag.edu; Internet; accessed 3 March 2005.
[9]Dale Carnegie, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, edited by Dorothy Carnegie (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1984), 192.
[10]Ibid., 193.
[11]Ibid., 195.
[12]John C. Maxwell, Be a People Helper (Colorado Springs: Chariot Victor, 1994), 120-1.
[13]Armin Sommer, “ ‘Welcome! You’ve Got Hate Mail’: Coping with the Virtual Critic,” Leadership 20 (Fall 1999): 92-3.
[14]Reggie McNeal, A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000), 164.
[15]John A. Huffman, “How to Handle Criticism,” Preaching 12 (May/June 1997): 8.
[16]McNeal, 161.
[17]Huffman, 6.
[18]Jim Herrington, Mike Bonem, and James H. Furr, Leading Congregational Change: A Practical Guide for the Transformational Journey (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000), 40.
[19]Keith T. Manos, “Coming to Grips with Criticism,” Coach and Athletic Director 66 (August 1996): 6; [database on-line]; available from Infotrac, http.://www.cbc.ag.edu; Internet; accessed 3 March 2005.
[20]Jacob Weisberg, “Taking Criticism,” Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management 29 (December 1, 2000): 21; [database on-line]; available from Infotrac, http.://www.cbc.ag.edu; Internet; accessed 3 March 2005.
[21]Maxwell. 123.
[22]McNeal, 164-6.
[23]Packer, 38.
[24]Charles H Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1972), 324.
Followers
Fans
