Counter Punching

In leadership, the counter puncher should approach with caution. As the old saying goes, “never wrestle with a pig, you’ll both be covered in mud but only one will enjoy it.”

Instead the leader will pause and assess. Not all criticism is worth addressing. In my experience any decision that is made will result in dissatisfaction from 50% of the people. Of that 50%, half of them would be upset no matter what decision was made, 15% have a hidden agenda and the remaining 10% perhaps have a legitimate criticism but do not have all the information that went into the decision. A true leader will consider the available information at the time, combine it with their experience, solicit the valued input of trusted agents and then own the decision.

It is shameful for a leader by appointment to abuse their position by openly mocking his/her critics. Instead, the leader should be aware of the criticism and carry on in the best interests of his/her followers.