Handling Criticism
Chronicles of an Afropreneur
Dear ,
I stumbled on a tweet by one of the few Pastors I respect - Poju Oyemade.
"People get disappointed because they confuse the ability to criticise with competency. That I can rightfully criticise a player doesn't mean I am capable of playing better. My criticism may help the player perfect areas of his weakness but it does not show I possess what he lacks"
As human beings and entrepreneurs especially, criticism can be hard to digest. Most especially, when you have put your heart and soul into the work that is being criticized. It happens to everyone, trust me!
So you hear people say "what does he/she even know?" or "who are you to criticize me?"
In my short journey in entrepreneurship, managing teams and building my own company I have come to see that there is strength in diversity - diversity of opinions, diversity of perspective, diversity of feedback. Because as 'experts' we tend to limit ourselves to a particular way of thinking, even when we don't think we are.
So next time you hear a differing opinion or different perspective, take a deep breath and listen for what you can gain from that feedback.
But remember, it is not every feedback or criticism you receive that is valid. Pick wisely. My trick is to listen and learn from the criticism of the people I trust or have the experience that I find useful.
Lastly, you can disagree with someone without being disrespectful or losing the friendship, this is very important!
Keep Grinding,
Uwem