Don't Take it Personally!
Southwark Arts Centre Nov'19 Steve Mostyn

Don't Take it Personally!

I was involved in a remarkable session yesterday evening with Jeff Lawrence and CEO’s in the education sector. One participant spoke frankly about her dilemma of leading and the personal criticism that often comes with the role.

Jeff after listening?to the diagnosis of a tough challenge incisively asked:

??What is the pressure in the system that makes people act as they do?

This elegant question opened up the?opportunity for the CEO to take a balcony view that enabled her to consider moving beyond?traditional boundaries to find common ground. The consultation reminded me of the Heifetz and Linsky insight that:

‘When you take the “personal attacks” personally, you unwittingly conspire in one of the common ways you can be taken out of action- you make yourself the issue’


What is the pressure in your system that makes people act as they do?

Diane Dimond

Former FE College Principal & CEO, Chartered Accountant and Experienced Senior Leader in Education

2 年

Thought provoking

Cat Lewis

Principal at Kidderminster College (NCG)

2 年

Beautifully captured Steve Mostyn ????

Amanda Melton CBE

Leadership Associate and Mentor

2 年

It’s funny isn’t it how we act to avoid criticism. The current Treasury situation and u-turns demonstrate the fine line between acting when you get it wrong to put it right, and reacting to the flack prompted by your actions. It’s really hard to strike a balance between holding steady despite the nay-sayers and failure to accept when you’ve got it wrong. But it’s vital not to let fear of criticism colour your judgement or you can’t really be acting as your true self.

Jeffrey Spahn

Author of We the Leader published by McGraw Hill *Leadership Disrupter * Innovative Leadership Development * Executive Team Coaching * Speaker

2 年

This is superb Steve, so wise and concise. I'm reflecting

Mike Watson

Support Services Leader | Strategy | Organisation Digital Transformation | Business Architecture | International Experience | Team Building | 60+ Energy companies

2 年

Oh Steve that’s a great question. The power of a great question to depersonalize and truly reflect and learn. Thanks for sharing.

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