Criticism Is A Sign That You're Doing The Right Thing

Photo by Piotr Makowski on Unsplash

A price of innovation and growth is criticism. If you’re intent on creating change in any material form, you have to expect it.

The simple fact is that the change you’re trying to create will result in some sort of displacement, both real and perceived, and it’s likely to come from many different areas.

Those we’re serving may be sceptical, perhaps thinking that we’re too ambitious or the goals are unattainable. 

Those we’re competing with will rail against what we’re offering, convinced that the status quo is the path forward, and it shouldn’t be upset. 

And even those working with us may feel that it’s a step too far, with many afraid of upsetting the status quo. Change, after all, can be scary.

But that’s all part of our remit. It’s very much a sign that we’re moving in the right direction.

No one ever said change would be easy, no matter how convinced we ourselves might be of the need for it. So, it's incumbent on us to do the work.

To make our case to our audience that the change is indeed worthwhile - not simply with words but with our actions. By showing them the value.

To bring our people along, with the clear view that the path forward is the right path forward. One that will ultimately serve all of us better.

To work to change the public narrative despite the best efforts of those who will rail against it. 

If we do this, we’ll get there. Not overnight, but to paraphrase Hemingway, gradually, then suddenly. 

But it begins with an acceptance on our part that criticism is par for the course. 

And when it comes, we shouldn’t be surprised by it, rather we should be ready to act on (and respond to) it.