President Barack Obama gathered many plaudits last week for his face-to-face Q&A with Republican leaders last week. In the Harvard Business Review, John Baldoni argues that by doing this “the President, whether you like or dislike him, provided a template for leaders to use when they need to face critics.” He draws seven lessons for leaders facing criticism.
- Show up
- Be open
- Be cool
- Acknowledge your shortcomings
- Criticize gently
- Smile frequently
- Leave them wanting more
What can Pastors facing criticism learn from this advice? What would you add/subtract? I would add: Take pre-emptive action. Don’t wait until a disaster (e.g. Massachusetts) strikes that leaves you with no choice but to face your critics.