Dealing with Critics on Your Team: Leadership Lessons for CEOs and Founders

As a CEO or founder, you’ve probably noticed something: your team has opinions about you—and not all of them are glowing. In fact, if you're leading a team of any size, I’d bet that at least a few people have some pretty strong, negative views about your leadership. And here’s the kicker: some of those critiques are probably dead-on. But that’s not the most important part. What truly matters is how those opinions, whether fair or not, can wreak havoc on your culture and sap productivity if not managed well.

Leadership: The Job No One Prepares You For

Let’s get one thing straight: leadership is hard. And I don’t mean “hard” in the way assembling IKEA furniture is hard, where you eventually figure it out and feel accomplished. I’m talking about the kind of hard that requires a completely different skill set than what you used to get your business off the ground.

It takes one set of skills to launch a business—things like vision, grit, and an unhealthy dose of caffeine-fueled optimism. It takes another skill set entirely to lead that business—like strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to look calm even when you’re freaking out on the inside. But leading a team? That’s a whole new level. Suddenly, you’re not just responsible for a product or a profit margin; you’re responsible for people, with all their quirks, opinions, and yes, criticisms.

Been There, Criticized That

I’ve experienced this dynamic from multiple angles. I’ve been the team member who was hypercritical of senior leadership. I’ve sat in meetings, quietly seething, convinced I could do a better job if only I were in charge. And honestly, sometimes I was right. But often, I was missing the bigger picture—the stress and complexity of leading a team and a business simultaneously.

Then, I became a leader myself, and oh, how the tables turned. Now, I’m the one under scrutiny, and let me tell you, it’s not always easy to hear what your team really thinks of you. But here’s something I’ve learned along the way: I have a lot of grace for senior leaders—so long as they’re teachable. Show me a leader who’s aware of their weaknesses and willing to grow, and I’ll support them all day long. But if a leader turns a blind eye to obvious problems, I have a rough time putting trust in them.

A study by Gallup found that only 21% of employees strongly agree that their performance is managed in a way that motivates them to do outstanding work . That’s a staggering statistic, but it also highlights a critical point: leadership isn’t just about setting a vision and driving results. It’s also about managing your structure—your team, your culture, your processes—with as much care as you do your visionary initiatives. Your vision will only go as far as your structure allows.

When the Critic is You

Let’s not forget the toughest critic of all: yourself. I know I’m hardest on myself when I’m burnt out or lacking the right advisors. In those moments, I can get irritable and short. I might even adopt an “I’ll just do it myself” attitude. But here’s the thing: leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself. In fact, that’s a fast track to burnout and a surefire way to stifle your team’s growth.

The solution? Surround yourself with the right team and the right advisors. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. Having people around you who can offer honest feedback, challenge your thinking, and support you when you’re struggling is crucial. It’s like having a personal board of directors—people who keep you accountable and push you to be the best leader you can be.

And if you think you’re alone in feeling this way, think again. A Harvard Business Review survey revealed that 61% of executives say they’ve struggled with the transition from being a functional leader to a more general leadership role . Leadership is a journey, and like any journey, it’s better with the right companions.

Turning Criticism into Growth

So maybe you’ve found yourself in this position—feeling the sting of criticism from your team, struggling to balance visionary thinking with practical management, or even beating yourself up for not being perfect. Here’s my advice: don’t go it alone. Reach out, whether it’s to a trusted advisor, a mentor, or even someone like me, who’s been through the trenches and come out the other side.

I’m here to help you turn those criticisms into opportunities for growth. Together, we can maximize your current structure, strengthen your leadership skills, and ensure that your vision doesn’t just survive—it thrives. So let’s connect, and I’ll share a few ideas on how you can lead like never before. Because I believe in you, even when the critics don’t.

Let's connect. Coffee on me.

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