Use Criticism to Grow

No one enjoys being criticized. Whether it’s a pointed remark from a colleague, a blunt performance review, or a casual comment from a friend, criticism can sting. But what if that sting was actually a signal? A signal pointing us toward growth, insight, and progress. The truth is criticism—when used correctly—isn’t a setback. It’s an accelerant. It can push us to become better thinkers, stronger leaders, more thoughtful friends, and more resilient people.

Instead of avoiding criticism, what if we leaned into it?

feedback, criticismNaphtali HoffMay 12, 2025Impactful Coaching & Consultingcriticism, perspective, resistance, threats, opportunities, clarification, opennessComment

Describe the Action, Not the Person

What does “good feedback” mean to you?

As leaders, we give feedback constantly. We do it formally, such as in scheduled review meetings. But we also do so informally, such as when we notice something that we like (which should be the norm) or something that we don’t appreciate (a necessary but hopefully less frequent form.) It could be expressed directly in words, or communicated indirectly, as with facial gestures, tone of voice or even changes in behavior patterns.

coaching, connecting, coworker support, perspectiveNaphtali HoffMay 20, 2019Impactful Coaching & Consultingfeedback, criticism, communication, leadership, constructiveComment

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