THE CRITICISM CONUNDRUM
April 23, 2020

If leadership was a book, the first chapter might be called "You can't please everybody".


This past Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine gave his usual afternoon briefing on Facebook Live. Just like every other day, he was updating his fellow Ohioans on the coronavirus and the measures that would need to be taken to ensure the situation is handled with utmost wisdom.


As he spoke, Facebook comment after Facebook comment poured in. Citizens representing both parties became self-proclaimed "experts" and made their opinion known with every virtual jab they delivered. As certain as it was that Governor DeWine would speak, it was equally certain that he would be questioned.


In the same way, as certain as it is that you will lead, it is equally certain that you will be criticized. You also may hear echoes of voices shouting, "If I were leading, I wouldn't do it that way", or "Do they even know what they're doing?"


But like a vine being pruned, your setback can and will create a comeback. You will be stronger, healthier, and more experienced than before. But how do you handle criticism, especially in the middle of crisis?


Here are three things to remember as you navigate within the criticism conundrum...


1. Criticism is positional, not personal

CEO, Manager, Director, Father, Mother, Pastor, Teacher, Coach, etc. Leaders come in all forms, and along with a leadership title comes certain expectations. Often, the expectations of others are both high to reach and hard to read. As a leader, you know well that unmet expectations equal unhappy people. And no matter who you are, if you are a leader, there will be expectations from certain people that your main job is to please them.


No matter what decisions you make, there will probably reside both favor and opposition. Everyone has an agenda they want met, and if you don’t meet it, then by default humans may naturally attempt to undermine your authority. Every CEO will face it, every parent will feel it, and every pastor will fight it. Therefore, criticism is positional, not personal. When you lead you can expect to receive criticism, so do not let it define you.


2. Listening makes a difference…both to the critics and your friends.

Criticism can't fall on deaf ears. Although some criticism is invalid and a waste of your valuable time, criticism can also be the best friend you haven't met yet. The sad truth is that sometimes the critics make a good point. Sometimes you do screw up, and sometimes you know it right away, but sometimes you don't. When you encounter criticism, it can be hard to process. Questions of self-doubt may creep in, and genuine concern may follow.


However, just because you hear the critics doesn't mean you focus on them. As you hear the critics behind you, be sure to focus on your friends in front of you. Your true friends won't dismiss the criticism, but they will walk through it with you. They will tell you the truth, whether it is what you want to hear or not, and they will never let you sulk in a puddle of self-pity. Rather, they will push you towards truth, redemption and self-improvement.


3. Criticism precedes redemption

Making mistakes is a requirement for redemption to occur. You can't forget that your worst moments are often the ones that lead to your best. When it comes to criticism, analyze it, redeem it, and keep moving forward. Don't forget that God is in the business of restoration, using something you may view as bad and showing you that he meant it for good.



Criticism, like failure, typically isn't the desired outcome of a decision, and yet you probably experience it more than you'd like. And that's okay because criticism will be redeemed to the extent that you'll allow it. Remember, criticism is a part of leadership and a part of life, so let it be your friend and not your enemy. Managing the burden of criticism isn't easy, but remember that it is positional, listening is invaluable, and redemption is coming if you let it. Like a vine you will be pruned, and like a vine you will come back better than before.

Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023
Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023
Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .
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