The 3 Types of Critics

We live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity.
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Have you ever noticed how many critics there are out there?

  • Critics have plenty to say about everything.
  • Critics complain.
  • They see the world half-glass empty.
  • The draw boxes instead of thinking in terms of circles.
  • They need and want to control everything.
  • And critics think small.

Here are the three kinds of critics and some strategies on how to handle them.

The Crockpot Critic

The Crockpot Critic is that person who stews over and over about how horrible everything is and can't find anything right with a situation.  They are just a big pot of sour soup.  The best strategy for dealing with one is to just leave it alone.   Maybe you'll be lucky and it'll shut off on its own but be prepared, if necessary to pitch it out!

The Movie Critic

Movie critics have plenty to say about the plot, the characters, and the production.  They get the easy part of showing up to see the created piece but typically have no appreciation for what it took to pull it together.  Movie critics show up and give a thumbs up or a thumbs down.  The best way to deal with this kind of critic is to keep creating.  Critics can't create.  They only know how to hate and debate.  Remember the world rewards those who aren't afraid to bring something unique to the table. 

I-Can-I-Will
The Inner Critic

The worst kind of critic is the one inside of you.  He/she is notorious for holding you back, creating fear, and in some cases allowing you to rubberneck and be too concerned with what everyone else is doing.

STOP THAT!

Your inner critic is that voice that says...I can't.  Why me? If only... The best answer for your inner critic is to know it and address it.

Allow yourself to not only be aware of it coming on but go deeper and try to understand why you feel the way you do.  And then nip it in the bud!

Dad's Advice

The best cure for all critics is to display confidence. Daddy used to say "just kill em with a little kindness and a big dose of confidence".   Remember...

It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.

Have any stories of the critics that have consumed you?  Have strategies to share? Remember you aren't alone.

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