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President's Message

February, 2010

I recently read a quote from Aristotle that struck me with its simple truth: "Criticism is something we can avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, being nothing." This is a concept that has not changed for thousands of years.

One of the hardest things for anyone who volunteers to cope with is the criticism that comes with the job or the position. I think most of us, when we volunteer our time and talent, expect gratitude. It can come as a shock when, instead, we receive criticism for the job we do. Oftentimes, criticism can result in volunteers becoming discouraged and quitting.

However, when we volunteer, we need to expect criticism as part of the job. The higher up the ladder we go or the more important our leadership position, the more criticism we can expect.

Criticism can be constructive or destructive (or a combination of both). Good leadership skills require a person to step back, look at the criticism, and discern what is constructive or destructive. The constructive criticism needs to be evaluated for its positive nature and avenues investigated to implement changes, when necessary.

Destructive criticism must be assessed unemotionally. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding resulting in the criticism. There may simply be a difference of opinion with someone else. However, when criticism is emotional in nature and perhaps guided by motivations that are personal versus for the common good, it becomes destructive.

Criticism can also be justified or unjustified (or, again, a combination of both). The word "criticism" has a very negative connotation, but when criticism is given in the context of the common good, it is not negative. Unjustified criticism is usually given by persons who have not investigated the facts and perhaps mistakenly lash out. Sometimes people just plain get mad and vent.

There is nothing that discourages volunteers more than criticism. However, don’t let fear of criticism prevent you from stepping up. First, accept that people will have their opinions and they won’t always match yours. You are not perfect, so it’s a given that you will make mistakes or make decisions that others will not agree with.

A great example is a homeowners association. Most HOA boards are comprised of volunteers. These volunteers work hard all year to keep their neighborhood running smoothly. Then comes the annual meeting. Neighbors who never volunteer show up and complain about everything...loudly! But when they’re asked to step up and help, they refuse.

I, too, volunteered to be on my HOA Board. I lasted about three years because the complaining overwhelmed me. Luckily, folks with thicker skins and calmer demeanors have continued to serve in that role.

While criticism from others is daunting, we can actually learn a lot from it. We can learn to be calm, listen to other views, and make intelligent decisions. We can grow and mature as a person by learning to put our emotions on hold even though our gut reaction is to become angry, lash out or seek revenge. These skills are essential to success in all areas of our life: family, friends, job.

The next time you offer criticism in any venue, ask yourself: Is this criticism constructive? If so, why? How will my ideas or suggestions help? Is my criticism justified? If so, what is the best method to bring about change? Does my criticism have an emotional component that is preventing positive solutions?

I know, speaking personally, that I often fail in these concepts. I speak up without thinking, express strong opinions that are without foundation, or react emotionally without giving myself time to cool down and respond rationally. (Ask my husband!) My volunteer work, though, has taught me so many methods to better channel my "enthusiasm."

There are so many ways that we, as individuals, can step up and do more with our lives. I truly believe God created each of us for a specific purpose, but we can’t achieve our potential if we sit back and avoid commitments because we’re afraid that someone won’t like us or will find fault with us.

What are some of the ways you can step up? Your job, church, neighborhood, community/politics, professional associations, charitable organizations. You may trip and fall a few times in finding the right niche for you to serve, but in the long run you will do much good and find true satisfaction in fulfilling a purpose larger than yourself.

As I turn over the reins of the SUN presidency in March, I want to say a special thank you to everyone who helped and supported me, especially our SUN Board and Management Company. My entire Board service has been a very positive experience. I ask every StenoCAT member who has not served our Association to please consider service in the future. I’m sure you will find it to be as rewarding and educational for you as it has been to me.