On Criticism and the Leader’s Self-Worth

Some people are attracted to the notion of “being a leader”. It seems like a way to become important in the eyes of others. These are the same people attracted to the job of the policeman or the martial artist — any role with a uniform that symbolizes authority. They need to be “certified”, or “validated”. For such people, seeking leadership is a grave mistake. An effective leader will find their self-worth regularly trounced. Leaders err in public; leaders fail in public. And whether they are successful or not, they are criticized, and criticized often.