If you speak, write books, or blog, you will get criticism. It is inevitable. I have certainly had my share. I’d like to say that my skin has gotten thicker with age, but it hasn’t. Criticism still stings.
Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/narvikk
Recently, I was tempted to respond to a blogger who had attacked my company. As I was considering what to say, I heard a politician on the radio responding to an opponent who had called him a liar.
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Free 39-Page Leadership eBook Download: “The Power of Values-based Leadership: a leader’s guide to sustainable, extraordinary results.”He said,
A wise friend once told me, ‘Don’t wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs like it.’”
That was all I needed to hear. I dropped the issue and moved on.
Question: Have you had a recent pig wrestling experience?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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That is literally the best thing I've heard all day!
Nicely done Michael. As you mentioned, it’s inevitable that we’ll receive criticisms anytime that engage in a public format in which we put ourselves out there. The important thing to remember is that anytime someone has something negative to say, their thoughts are really more about who THEY are and the life that THEY’VE led then it is about you. In the same sense, if someone finds something positive to say about you or likes what your presenting that is also about who they are, and those are the people who you are writing/speaking to anyway. In others words, we need not worry about those who don’t like our product, because we’re not making it for them anyway. Thanks for posting and keep up the great work!
RMS
Ryan Stanley
Director of Strategic Alliances
The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
http://www.ipeccoaching.com
http://www.facebook.com/ipeccoaching
I am going through that right now at work. I prayed and prayed and even though, I wanted to get down and dirty, I believe the Lord told me to let the matter drop. I didn't want to at first, but in the end I didn't give up, but decided to pray for those who were slandering me. After all, God's in control and He knows the Truth.
I have always liked this quote, I think that it came from John Maxwell.
Another pig aphorism, unknown source: “Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.”
Hey, maybe there's a book idea here–Everything I Need To Know I Learned From My Pig, or The Wisdom of Pigs, or The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Pigs, or…..
"There is no greater gift than a fierce critic" Tom Peters.
Good advice!!