There has been a lot of reaction spawned by the topic of critics and criticism on this blog. It is evident that artists and leaders all over the world are conflicted about how to handle the negativity that others so freely give. If you are getting criticism then that's good! You are creating something to evoke a response- however, that doesn't make it feel any easier. Unlike in a video game, you can’t blast critics out of your way. So what do you do?
I like to call critics 'flame throwers' since they tend to fire an intense spread of criticism at close range. We often seem to encounter them at the worst places and at the worst times. I would propose that while flame throwers are usually destructive, they can also serve a valuable role for your team. Flame throwers need a way to use their criticism in a constructive manner. Here are some ways to use flame throwers as a strategic part of your team:
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Don’t just ask a flame thrower to be less critical. Commend them for their critical eye. Acknowledge that it’s a gift that has a greater purpose
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Invite a flame thrower to regularly give input to events, systems, and decisions. Have them come up with a checklist, feedback forms, and other tools that can improve the experience
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Have a specific opportunities when flame throwers can give extreme criticism to a new idea. They can help you see the worst case scenarios first.
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Ask a flame thrower how volunteers, staff, or leadership can improve their performance. They can also give feedback to ineffective meetings or organizational structures
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Officially call them ‘flame throwers’. “Bob, we need a flame thrower to look at this, can you give us a few minutes?” They will love that!
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If a flame thrower is a complete stranger then it’s a great opportunity to invite them into the process. Most critics just want to be heard
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Like anyone, invest the time to help a flame thrower understand their gifting. A creative leader guides and directs. Help them to use more encouraging words and to be more sensitive. Most flame throwers want to be well received; they just don’t know how to do it.
Critics are not your enemy, they are misunderstood friends. If you have a flame thrower on your team then consider yourself lucky. It takes a special eye to see what’s wrong and what needs to be done. When the heat is on, you want a flame thrower to have your back (or maybe your front!). From my experience, once you have emotionally converted a critic to your cause, they usually make the most committed teammates.
A flame thrower can help prepare your team, see the potential dangers, and can turn the tides of a battle. It’s worth the pain to have a flame thrower on your team even if you get singed on occasion. I’d much rather be a little singed then burned alive.