E65: Why Great Leaders Don’t Take Criticism Personally

The New Rules Podcast

Have you ever been paralyzed by a piece of criticism, feeling like it cut deeper than just your work—like it was an attack on who you are? What if you could learn to see feedback as fuel for growth instead of a personal blow? In this episode, we dive deep into the power of resilience when it comes to handling criticism and feedback. For leaders, creators, and individuals alike, the ability to separate feedback from personal identity is a crucial skill—one that requires practice and self-awareness. Key Takeaways:

• Building the Feedback Muscle: How learning to receive and respond to feedback without internalizing it is like training a muscle—you get stronger the more you do it. We explore strategies to embrace constructive criticism while maintaining your self-worth and confidence.
• Parts of the Whole: Your actions, decisions, and work are only parts of who you are. Understanding that feedback often targets those parts, not your whole identity, can help you process it without feeling attacked.
• Self-Awareness and Resilience: Growing in self-awareness is key to building resilience. We discuss why developing an accurate sense of self and separating it from external opinions is essential to thriving in leadership roles and personal growth.
• The Spectrum of Sensitivity: Why some people take things too personally and others build walls too thick to let in feedback. How leaders can help balance these tendencies in themselves and their teams.
• Fulfilling Roles While Keeping a Sense of Self: Leadership requires fulfilling roles that may be subject to criticism. We talk about how to stay true to yourself while performing duties that might receive pushback or scrutiny.
• Leading Through Criticism: Practical tips for leaders on navigating and giving constructive feedback to their teams while fostering an environment that encourages growth and open communication.

Why People Take It Personally: We examine why people often feel personally attacked by feedback—whether it’s insecurity, lack of self-awareness, or past experiences. Understanding the root of these reactions can help leaders provide feedback more effectively and guide their teams with empathy. When Feedback Doesn't Stick: On the flip side, we discuss the danger of becoming too hardened to feedback. When the armor is too thick, nothing gets through, leading to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth. Criticism, when received well, is a powerful tool for growth. But it’s up to us to build the resilience to let feedback refine us without defining us. Have you ever struggled with receiving feedback? How do you lead yourself and others through critical moments? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more leadership insights and tools! 📲 Connect with Us:

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