I have found four angles of common criticism—criticism that I repeatedly receive, be it from the staff I lead or those who read my books but don't know me, comes from four common angles of thought. They are questioning, grasping, wounding and trusting.

Questioning: These folks are stimulated by the thinking, speaking and writing of others. In their skepticism, they find creative ways to make the most of what they hear, read, see, etc., which allows them to take the ideas of others and contextualize them in meaningful ways. Generally, "questioners" offer their criticism with warmth and cheer, without looking for ways to bash but to engage and help.

Grasping: These folks are typically the intellectuals of the bunch. They critique in the classical sense of the word. They analyze, examine and test, assessing what they hear or read for no other reason than to wrestle with it. "Graspers" criticize for the sake of discussion, to further thinking and authenticity. Before they "buy in" to something, they have to wrestle it to the ground to be sure it is legitimate. In most cases, "graspers" aren't trying to attack or aggressively challenge a person. Criticism is just something they do; it is who they are.

Wounding: Unfortunately, there are people who are hyper-critical because they feel the need to wound someone. The desire to inflict a wound isn't even a conscious decision. Some know no other way but to hurt others. This type of behavior from "wounders" may stem from their own jealousy, hurt or pain. Often, this type of criticism is a cry for help; but sadly, some people beat up on or bully others for their own sadistic enjoyment.

Trusting: These are the people we love to have around. Most often they are good for us as they provide us with ongoing encouragement and support. "Trusters" don't really think critically in the classical sense because they are not even critiquing the work; they are critiquing the heart. They know that not everything is going to be perfect, so they don't expect you to be. Typically, "trusters" just believe in people and think the very best of everyone. Their behavior leads them to be great people to be around but not actually valuable critics. They are certainly valuable for our feelings of confidence and self-worth, but they don't help us truly assess our efforts or ideas.

The ability to categorize the criticism can help identify the best way to respond to merited and unmerited criticism. "Is she being honest, or does she really like what we are doing?" "Did he really mean that hurtful thing? What might be the motive of that statement?" are questions that consistently can help us navigate the disapproval and criticism in our lives. We can best ask those types of questions when we have the ability to view the angle from which they come.

We always will be criticized; it's a reality of leadership. Our goal shouldn't be to avoid criticism but to find appropriate ways to deal with it. Disapproval and criticism are not going away. In order to be fruitful and effective leaders, we must learn to deal with them. I trust you will determine ways to respond appropriately to the never-ending analysis, evaluation and judgment of your work so you might better help students find and follow Jesus.