FEBRUARY 22 • TRUE LEADERSHIP
Giving & Taking Criticism 
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Proverbs 15:31
My dad taught me I should only give constructive criticism — whether it’s positive or negative, make your words constructive — give people something to work with!
Let’s start with taking criticism because that will dictate giving it as well. Unfortunately, most people will not have read this devotion or some other article on giving criticism so chances are you may be in for a rough ride. When you receive a critique, simply listen — don’t react, don’t even respond — and don’t sit there thinking how angry you are… listen patiently — almost like it’s not directed at you. Write down the salient points. Ask questions carefully for clarity. Repeat back what you thought you heard and ask if that is correct. Tell them that your system on taking cristcism is to get all the facts as clear as possible and to not answer right away but think about it for 24 hours. You should give yourself some time if it is something difficult. Pray about it before you begin reflecting on it. If you agree that it’s an issue and you need to change, write out the changes you plan to make so you can make the changes and so you can share specifics with your criticizer the next day. If you don’t see it as true, ask others what they see in you — make sure they are candid and honest people who are willing to tell you the truth. If we scoff at people, we have a deeper problem.
Meet up with the person and share your results. Share that you got other input. Don’t be proud, be extremly humble during the whole process. From start to finish. Learn from everything that is said. If you’re still at odds, tell them you don’t se it but will be paying extra attention in the future to see if it is true. Keep all conversations safe for the other person so they can learn to share when they need to. You’re building trust.
Giving criticism. Reverse the above process! Make sure you have done your homework. Be specific and careful with your words. Show kindness and gentleness at all times (Galatians 6:1). Make it safe for the other person. If they agree, help them devise a system to make changes. Help them win! Never make them feel like a bad person. You may be wrong, so humility can save you from that.
Pray: Lord, help me love others enough to give and take criticism.
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