Invite Constructive Criticism

How to Develop Humility

Have you ever known a leader who never faced criticism? Leaders who invite constructive criticism from their followers, and then receive it graciously and act on it productively are leaders with a growing, appreciative following. Develop your humility by:

  1. Asking for anonymous feedback so people can be honest.
  2. Listening to the feedback with an open mind, considering their experience that prompted the opinion.
  3. Stopping, breathing, and praying for wisdom before responding to criticism.

Criticism may not always be constructive, yet great leaders choose to be instructed by the well-spoken word.

Add your thoughts in the Comments section below: When do you think is the best time to approach someone with constructive criticism? 

Laura Savage-Rains--speaker, author, coach--is the founder and author of WomensMinistryCoach.com who is using her 30+ years of ministry and leadership experience to teach women how to lead with passion.
Her newest book is the multi-award-winning God Chose a Woman First: Discover the Keys to Resilient Confidence through the Voices of Biblical Women. She is a native Texan who has also lived in foreign places such as Alabama and Romania. She makes her home in Lakeway, Texas, with her husband, Mark.

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

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2 thoughts on “Invite Constructive Criticism

  1. Marilyn Cobb says:

    When I was evaluating teachers, I found they were most open to constructive criticism after I first offered positive comments. And I always tried to end the conversation on a positive note as well. A calm, private environment helps too. Most folks don’t want to be “called out” in front of an audience.

    • Those are great suggestions, Marilyn. I have found that to be true as well. Start and end with the positive in a private setting, and then the negative part can be heard a little easier.