As a leader how open are you to constructive criticism when you are approached professionally?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 14:26:41 -0400

I understand most people have a defensive side but if someone is genuinely coming to you as a leader to help you become and even better leader how open are you to actually listening?

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Mar 15 at 2016 2:29 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 14:29:09 -0400

I'm very open! I have thick skin! I will take in stride if it improves me!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 2:32 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 14:32:08 -0400

the main word is "constructive". :)

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 2:32 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 14:32:16 -0400

I want to be a better leader, so for me, as hard as it may potentially be, I'm going to be open and receptive to message. I'm going to do my best not to internalize it but take the message forth to be a better person and leader.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 2:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 14:34:07 -0400

Very open.

Response by SSG Maurice Wright MS/MBA made Mar 15 at 2016 2:35 PM

SSG Maurice Wright MS/MBA — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 14:35:35 -0400

I believe you should be completely open to constructive criticism . No one is perfect, but with open communication and understanding, you can learn to perfect your leadership skills.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 15 at 2016 3:04 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:04:30 -0400

I was open all the time because I did not know everything.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Mar 15 at 2016 3:08 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:08:38 -0400

If you are not COMPLETELY open to hearing what someone else has to say, you are not a good leader. If you want to be a GREAT leader, you will ASK for other opinions and accept any and all criticism.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 3:24 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:24:17 -0400

It's "approached"

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Mar 15 at 2016 4:21 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 16:21:34 -0400

The key is that constructive criticism needs to be given in a respectful manner. Too often as leaders we provide counseling statements to our subordinates, and give them criticism as a means to fulfill a requirement. Does constructive criticism need to be given? Yes, but it needs to be done in a way that will not only be understood, but in a positive and respectful manner to contribute to growth. We should never approach it as "this is what you need to work on" or "this is what's wrong with you". It should be approach like "you've been doing an amazing job, but there are a few things you can work on to outshine your peers and grow as a professional," "some of my observations were a, b,and c, I'd be happy to sit down with you and discuss my observations and work with you to develop a plan; I really think working on these areas would improve your performance and help you in future assignments". Try to keep it positive, and also highlight what they did well.

Sorry about the long example, but basically I'm saying it needs to be a respectful conversation (give and take) with attention paid to their body cues. If they do not look like they are open to constructive criticism at that time, it may be better to approach it later or ask someone who has a better relationship with the individual to provide the constructive criticism.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 15 at 2016 4:23 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 16:23:28 -0400

Source dependent. If it's from a source I respect, I'm very open to criticism. If it's from someone I feel is barely competent, I generally don't want to hear it..

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Mar 15 at 2016 7:33 PM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:33:01 -0400

For me, the key is 'professionally.' That includes respect. Take it on and think it through for you. Then modify your next steps.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 7:34 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:34:41 -0400

I always listened to others unless it became abusive.

A CMSGT I worked with however, once said. Criticism is still criticism is always criticism no matter how you try to sugar coat it.

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Mar 15 at 2016 10:14 PM

SFC Benjamin Harrison — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 22:14:54 -0400

I love receiving constructive criticism. I am only as good as my weaknesses and thankfully I have been approached by all spectrums E1 through O7. Being open to honest opinions is merely growth and will definitely increase your respect amongst those you serve with when you listen, make adjustments, and move forward.

Though I will not change for the sake of opinions alone, yet these encounters allow for open and candid discussion that can also provide insight for the critic which can help them grow.

The Military Service is a team sport, unless we can all be willing to have discussions from time to time, we will never improve as a whole.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Mar 15 at 2016 10:20 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 22:20:35 -0400

The best leaders will allow it otherwise they will become oblivious and surrounded by "yes men".