The Critic

The clue is in the name – to criticise.

Interesting to hear Seth Godin say that he NEVER reads critiques of his books because:

nobody ever improved their writing by reading a 1-star review on Google

Not to say that you should ignore feedback – it can often be grounding.

The issue is whether the feedback is constructive.

“I read what you wrote and it was crap, you are wrong and stupid”

Versus

“I read what you wrote and think you could improve the message by doing this…”

or

“I read what you wrote and disagree with your message for the following reasons…”

Perhaps that famous opening could have been “it is not the non-constructive critic who counts” but I’m sure the poetry would have been lost.

Whether you are building a dental business, becoming a better clinician, raising a family, working on yourself, being a member of your tribe – one thing is for sure – if you have an opinion and express it – you will attract The Critic.

The challenge is to separate the 80% (The Critic) from the 20% (The Constructive Critic).

Here’s how you can spot the difference.

The Critic can only make their point by being rude about you.

The Critic doesn’t like what he sees in the mirror – and takes it out on you.

The Constructive Critic makes her point with respect and dignity.

Ignore the The Critic (respectfully):

“Thanks for your feedback – that will help me to grow” (The Critic hates that).

Listen and engage with The Constructive Critic.

She is often correct, you need to hear her, then you can evolve.

Like Godin, it’s not your 1-star reviews on Google that you should be bothered about (you were never the right choice for them).

It’s the 3-star reviews – “why didn’t we get 5?”