I came across this quote a few weeks back from Dabo Swinney, Clemson University’s football coach- and thought it was worth sharing.
“One of the best lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t worry about criticism from people that you wouldn’t seek advice from."
Take a moment to unpack this statement. Reflect on the most recent criticism you have received. Is this from a worthy, credible source…who you would otherwise seek input and advice from? If so, great. Learn and grow from it. If not, flush it and drive on.
Equally important from this statement: who are you seeking input/ advice / mentoring from?
When you step into the arena to lead- no doubt, you will encounter those energy vampires who know nothing but negativity and cheap criticism.
In any case: Lead. Know who you are. Know what your core values are. Know your why. And get after it.
I am in your corner. Always. Have a great week- pja
Perhaps one of my all-time favorite leadership quotes- print it out and put it somewhere easily accessible:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows 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 the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ~Teddy Roosevelt
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