How to Handle Feedback Without Becoming Defensive
Struggling with criticism as a leader? Learn how to handle feedback without getting defensive and turn it into a tool for growth and success. How to Handle Feedback Without Becoming Defensive Have you ever received feedback and immediately felt the urge to argue, justify, or shut it down ? Maybe an employee pointed out an issue in your leadership style, and instead of listening, you thought: ❌ “They don’t understand how hard my job is.” ❌ “They’re just being negative.” ❌ “I don’t need advice from them.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Even the best leaders struggle with feedback. But the difference between a tyrannical leader and a respected one is how they handle criticism . Leaders who take feedback personally often become defensive, reactive, and resistant to change —which leads them down the path of toxic leadership . In this article, we’ll break down why leaders get defensive, how it damages their leadership, and how to embrace feedback as a tool for growth ...