How would Facebook change if you could bluntly “Dislike” others’ posts, pictures, and opinions?  I’m not sure I know the virtual answer to that question, but I do know that the “dislike button” is definitely well-used in the real world-especially in leadership.  How do we provide tenacious and tender leadership in the arena of criticism?

Here are eleven quotes to help leaders process all “angles” of criticism:

  1. “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” ~Winston Churchill
  2. “Don’t let compliments get to your head; don’t let criticism get to your heart.”  ~Unknown
  3. “Treat criticism like bubble gum. Chew on it a little, and then spit it out.” ~Paul Chappell
  4. “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”  ~Aristotle
  5. “Life is like photography; you use the negatives to develop.” ~Unknown
  6. “Truth sounds like hate to those who hate truth.” ~Unknown
  7. “Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.” ~Eric Hoffer
  8. “Don’t be distracted by criticism!  Remember-the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bit out of you.” ~Zig Ziglar
  9. “The most destructive criticism is indifference.” ~E.W. Howe
  10. “Criticism should be like rain; gentle enough to nourish someone’s growth without destroying their roots.” ~Unknown
  11. “The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment.” ~Elbert Hubbard

Here is one bonus quote that continues to strength my hands, knees, and heart:

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

What is one of your favorite quotes or Bible verses on dealing with your critics?