No individual or organization is immune to criticism. Whether you’ve made a mistake or you’re simply facing dissenting opinions, negative feedback doesn’t feel good.
Of course, constructive criticism can give valuable insight into where your nonprofit organization can improve. Yet even with this knowledge, leaders may not always know how to properly react to this feedback in the moment.
Below, the members of Forbes Nonprofit Council share 12 common mistakes nonprofit leaders make when receiving and reacting to criticism and what they should do instead.
Members of Forbes Nonprofit Council share missteps leaders make when reacting to criticism.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Not Modeling Openness And Honesty
As leaders, we often talk about openness and honesty. If we want the free exchange of constructive feedback to truly be part of our organizational culture, it can't happen without a commitment to modeling these values ourselves. Remember the golden rule and practice accepting criticism in the spirit of grace that you would like your own feedback to be received by others in the future! - Ajay Dahiya, The Pollination Project
2. Viewing Criticism As A Bad Thing
One way to avoid criticism is to work within your comfort zone. However, nonprofits are called to be bold and innovative, so they will be criticized from time to time. Nonprofits should view criticism as a sign of their relevance and that people care. Criticism opens the door for stronger engagement, which could lead to more funding, overall support and a greater mission. - H. Art Taylor, BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only organization for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations. Do I qualify?
3. Not Listening Intently
Leaders forget to take a deep breath and listen with both ears. My mantra right now inspired by Brene Brown: "You don't need to be right, you need to get it right." I repeat this in my head several times each day. I really appreciate it when people are thoughtful enough to give criticism with the intention of making me a better leader, so I try and reciprocate. Grace and humility lead to change. - Maureen Sedonaen, Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco
4. Doing The Opposite Of What They Expect From Staff
Leaders shouldn’t model the exact opposite reaction they expect from their staff and colleagues. We give criticism (kindly always, I'm sure) and expect it to be accepted as gospel. But how can others do that when they see us dismiss, discount or reject criticism of ourselves? We should strive to seek out constructive feedback from all, model authentic reflection and change so those around us do the same. - Kait Peters, The People Concern
5. Taking It Personally
We often take it personally and retreat. Most enter the nonprofit world because of our heart-voice, and that's personal. Many of us "birthed" our nonprofits, so it's our baby. As the founder of Pajama Program, I have learned to take a deep breath and listen before "feeling" the words coming at me. If there's something that can be done better and I didn't see it, I am grateful when someone else points it out to me. - Genevieve Piturro, Pajama Program
6. Responding Immediately
One common mistake is responding immediately to criticism. While it is important to acknowledge the feedback, it is also important to assume best intent. Respond when you’ve had time to process and can do so with clarity. - Charles A. Archer, One Hope United
7. Believing An Immediate Change Is Mandated
Criticism is hard to hear and it can be equally hard to process. We’ve all experienced that instance where one negative comment about a new initiative ruined our day. Leaders often feel like criticism mandates immediate change, but this is not so. Constructive criticism is an important part of the planning process and should be considered when we review and redesign programs, services and general performance. - Victoria Burkhart, The More Than Giving Company
8. Reacting Without Consulting Your Team
Criticisms are a part of any business. However, the manner in which one reacts to the situation defines the events that follow. One common mistake that nonprofit leaders make at times is reacting to criticism without thinking it through. Before giving a response on any issue, nonprofit leaders must first consult their team and plan their communication strategy. Never be in a rush. - Patrick Coleman, GiveCentral
9. Simply Trying To Resolve Discomfort
One of the most common mistakes nonprofit leaders make when receiving and reacting to criticism is taking it personally—but not in the way they should be taking it personally. Too many times we unfortunately end up focusing on trying to resolve the discomfort in ways that aren't helpful. Instead, leaders should welcome criticism as an opportunity to adapt and grow. - Jamie Aten, Humanitarian Disaster Institute
10. Reacting Instead Of Responding
You have a choice: react or respond. If medication is prescribed when you go to the doctor and your body reacts to the meds, that's not good. You want your body to respond. The organization is a body and your response says a lot about the core values of the organization. Listen and assimilate what is useful in the critique. Don't take it personally and reject what is not constructive. - Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation
11. Dismissing Feedback
We all have imperfections that we cannot see in ourselves, but are in plain view to those who work closely with us. Nonprofit leaders can make the mistake of dismissing the gift of feedback from caring colleagues willing to risk shedding light on our blind spots and unproductive behavior. There is a remedy! Listen to your colleagues and ask follow up questions to seek understanding. - Christopher Washington, Franklin University
12. Not Taking Time To Pause
One common mistake nonprofit leaders make in receiving and reacting to criticism is not taking a moment to pause. This small act of silence gives you time to hear the information, acknowledge the emotion that might arise and allow the feedback to be information, not judgment. This allows you to regain balance in meeting the needs of those you serve and your supporters. - KellyAnn Romanych, Veterans Legal Institute
