Criticism is the Price of Success

Churchill once said, "Never give in-never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense."

One of the most surprising and disappointing things about reaching an important goal is that many people won't share your happiness when they hear about it. Some will even criticize your achievement.

Feedback is very useful for telling us "where we are." Without feedback... we couldn't have results. We couldn't keep score. We wouldn't know if we were getting better or worse. Just as salespeople need feedback on what's selling and leaders need feedback on how they are perceived by their subordinates, we all need feedback to see where we are, where we need to go, and to measure our progress.

Here are some useful techniques for profiting from criticism.

1. Remember that criticism is the price of success.

2. Dump your failure-support group.

3. If you can't ignore your critics, frame your responses strategically.

Agreeing in part

The Criticism

Your Response

Agreeing in probability

4. Take helpful criticism seriously

5. Thank your critics

6. Solicit criticism - from people you respect - while there is plenty of time to make changes

People who should listen to this show are entrepreneurs, career coaches,