According to Winston Churchill, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”
The natural response to criticism is to fight back. The effective response is to pause and consider. You are not always right; don’t you want to know when you’re wrong so you can correct your course?
Disagreement is good. Discipline yourself and your team to invite criticism and respond productively.
Choose to pursue the truth rather than defend your turf. As with any discipline, it takes practice.
“The effective decision-maker, therefore, organizes disagreement.” (Peter F. Drucker)
Tags: Winston Churchill