November 10, 2022 |
Category: Blog, Intelligent Leadership
Thick skin allows leaders to distance themselves from the negative opinions of others while recognizing constructive criticism. Coupled with a tender heart, a thick skin makes leaders resilient, compassionate, focused, and trustworthy. Executive coaching sees this combination as one that allows leaders to fulfill their potential.
“It is a grave error for any leader to be oversensitive in the face of criticism.”- Nelson Mandela.
Leaders who can’t handle criticism don’t lead for long. Leaders are regularly targets of criticism whether it be constructive or malicious. If they have a “thick skin,” they can handle it well. If they don’t, they had better develop one. Otherwise, their leadership will suffer.
Intelligent leaders understand their roles are lightning rods for criticism. Great leaders are always first in line when it comes to criticism and last when it comes to recognition.
A leader’s job is