One Model For Dealing With Criticism

One of the horrible surprises that awaits church leaders when they actually dare to lead people through change and into renewal is that not everybody is happy about it. In fact, as a change agent within an organization, it isn't a question of "if" you will be a target of criticism. It is only a question of "when?" Well, few people in the media today have had more experience dealing with public criticism and outright hostility than Bears quarterback, Rex Grossman. As a native of the Chicago-area who is thrilled to be living where I can actually HEAR the home crowd cheering when the Bears manage to outsmart and outplay their opponents, I have a sort of sweet spot for the embattled Grossman. And I believe there are a few things his performance, especially off the field, can teach us.

First of all, let me just say in his defense that Grossman did NOT embarrass himself during the season opener last Sunday. Not at all, in fact. But since the Bears lost the game, he is once again on the hot seat. In fact, according to at least one member of the victorious Chargers, their linebackers coach Ron Rivera (who is also the former Bears defensive coordinator) told them they could rattle Grossman because he was "a mental midget." According to the Chicago Tribune today, Rivera has denied using the term, but that hasn't lessened the outcry...or the sting.

To Grossman's enormous credit, I think, he weathered this kind of public humiliation with grace all last season. And, given his response to reports of Rivera's accusation, he appears poised to perform in the same graceful, classy way this season.

Grossman takes responsibility for the things he hasn't done well. He never blames his teammates or his coaches. He resists retaliating against his critics with counter-accusations or slurs. And he works his tail off to improve his game, stay focused on his job, and win games. Not a bad model for those of us who are called to lead under difficult circumstances and/or when we find ourselves easy targets for criticism in the midst of change.

By the way, for all the jokes about Grossman last year, it might help to remember that he did, in fact, take his team to the Super Bowl.

Not bad for a mental midget, huh?

Kelly Fryer