Criticism is something that I just haven’t gotten used to yet. “Constructive” or not it is hard to swallow most of the time. I am a Worship Leader, so I’m on stage every week. This has brought about unforeseen repercussions. I had this inflated, picturesque idea of what it would be like to be a Worship Leader. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and would not trade it for anything.  But the reality that I’m not perfect and neither is any one else around me has this tendency to crush the ideal view of “how it should be.”

Every time you hit the stage all eyes are on you… I have also learned that all opinions are on you as well. These opinions are on the style of music that “should” be played, the songs that “should” have been played, etc… When you put your heart into what you are doing, it is difficult to receive criticism. Reality Check: Criticism is coming… like it or not.

Here are a few of the lessons I’m struggling through now:

1. Listening to the right voices.

2. Listening (period) – when a negative criticism comes my way I have the tendency to tune out.

3. Analyze the criticism –  1. Consider the source  2. Consider the circumstance   3.  Is there any truth in it I can use to improve myself?

4. This is the hard one —  I have to get over myself.  I am not perfect.  I can always learn from others, even if they give the criticism in a wrong or negative way.

How do you deal with criticism?  I would like to hear from you…

“There are three things that are extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.”  - Benjamin Franklin

“If one person calls you a horse’s rear, ignore it.  If two people call you a horse’s rear, look in the mirror.  If three people call you a horse’s rear, buy a saddle.”

For more insight on this Read Chapter 4 of Leadership Gold by John Maxwell.