When Ego Meets A Critic

Criticism often serves as a litmus test for leaders. It reveals the contrast between those driven by ego and those guided by humility.

When confronted with feedback, the egoist leader’s instinct is to defend or deflect blame. Criticism challenges their carefully crafted facade of perfection. They meet it with defensiveness or anger, revealing deep-seated insecurities and fears of being exposed as anything less than flawless.

In contrast, the humble leader operates with self-awareness and vulnerability. They understand that no one’s perfect. Criticism is welcomed, not as an attack, but as an opportunity for introspection and growth.

Of course, not all criticism is helpful. Some feedback is just plain wrong.

But it’s not an indictment of your worth. It’s simply an opportunity to be better.