Mark Mikelat is a success expert for small businesses. From his 15+ years of consulting at Fortune 100 banks and major corporations such as Microsoft, Border Books, and IBM, Mark has discovered that people are people first and business leaders second. By implementing basic principles of respect, sincerity, and professionalism, you can grow you success.
He is business college faculty, and an author of multiple books. You can learn more about him at www.BuildingAspirations.com.
Criticism is good. Small business owners have a sense of well deserved pride in what they have created. At times this pride creates an almost parental like love for their businesses. Unfortunately, this feeling of parental obligation can cause an immediate rejection of any criticism, and this closed-minded view can limit your growth. Accepting criticism is a great way to grow your small business.
I am extremely straight forward with my clients. I tell them that “I will shoot you right between the eyes.” I is a warning that I will be very direct and specific in my critique. If there is something that my client is doing wrong, I tell them. I tell them why I feel that they are making a mistake, how they can fix it and I justify why I feel this way. Nobody likes criticism. I certainly don’t want it for myself, or my own business. Yet, I realize that to truly grow and improve, I need to accept it.
Let me share a story from a corporate client of mine. There was a high level executive meeting attended by the CEO and various senior vice presidents. This enterprise employed well over 10,000 people with offices worldwide. The CEO explained an idea of his. A senior vice president explained that he did not think it was a good idea and he, with the support of this experience, and market knowledge explained why.
The CEO replied with “If you want to keep your job, you should stop taking now.” This is a best example of NOT accepting criticism. The CEO’s idea was a bad idea and he chose to not accept any criticism. Even though the comments were justified, supported, and in the best interests of the firm, the CEO chose to vehemently reject them. Some time after this, the board of directors called for the CEO’s resignation.
Accept criticism. It is difficult, uncomfortable and even threatening to us as business leaders. Most often the criticism is not spiteful, but meant as a method of improvement. Somebody is going out of their way to point out a mistake or potential mistake in the execution of your business. I think that is a very good thing. I would love the ability to anticipate and avoid mistakes.
To strengthen and grow your small business, accept criticism.
Could you use more tips like this to accelerate the growth of your small business? Achievement thinking is a powerful concept that Mark Mikelat, the founder of Building Aspirations, www.BuildingAspirations.com, uses to coach his small business clients to double or even triple the size of their businesses. You can learn more and take advantage of a free strategic analysis at http://www.BuildingAspirations.com/BusinessSuccess.html. Also, you can view his books on Amazon.com.
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