The Virtue of Responding Well to Criticism

Criticism hurts. But how you respond to it defines your growth. While many shut down or lash out, those who pause, reflect, and listen use criticism as a compass—not a curse. It doesn’t mean agreeing with every opinion, but it does mean having the humility to ask, “Is there something true here that could make me better?” That mindset turns feedback into fuel and resistance into resilience.

A True Story: Howard Schultz Learns from Harsh Feedback

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, once received a brutally honest email from a loyal customer who said the company had lost its soul by becoming too commercial. Instead of ignoring it, Schultz took the message to heart. He traveled, visited stores, talked to staff, and made sweeping changes—including closing all U.S. stores for a day to retrain baristas. That one piece of criticism, properly received, reignited Starbucks’ culture of care. Schultz called it a turning point: “Criticism stings, but sometimes it’s exactly what you need to hear.”

Three Quotes from Books About Handling Criticism

In Ego is the Enemy (2016), Ryan Holiday wrote:

Your ego wants to be told you’re right. But growth comes from hearing that you’re wrong—and being strong enough to listen anyway.

~ Ryan Holiday

In Thanks for the Feedback (2014), Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen observed:

The key to benefiting from feedback isn’t the giver’s skill, it’s the receiver’s mindset. You have to look past the tone and into the truth.

~ Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen

In Mindset (2006), Carol Dweck emphasized:

People in a growth mindset don’t just seek challenge—they thrive on it. The bigger the criticism, the greater the opportunity to improve.

~ Carol Dweck

Five More Quotes About Responding to Criticism

In 2006, comedian Jon Stewart said during an interview:

You can’t learn if you think you’re always right. Every joke I’ve made that failed taught me more than the ones that landed.

~ Jon Stewart

In 1973, Maya Angelou wrote:

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said… but they’ll remember how you made them feel. Criticism, when accepted with grace, can build bridges, not burn them.

~ Maya Angelou

In 2015, Brené Brown said in a TED Talk:

If you’re not in the arena getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback. But if you are, I will listen and learn—always.

~ Brené Brown

In 1980, Steve Jobs admitted:

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world usually do. But they also usually get criticized a lot. I listened. I changed. I kept building.

~ Steve Jobs

In 2010, Michelle Obama explained:

You don’t drown in criticism. You drown in ignoring what might make you better. I take what’s helpful and leave the rest.

~ Michelle Obama

Life Lesson:

Criticism isn’t a verdict—it’s an invitation. It can tear you down or build you up, depending on whether your pride stands in the way. Schultz saved a global brand because he let one voice change his thinking. If you want to grow, you must learn to ask the hardest question of all: “What if they’re right?” The moment you do, your future begins to expand. Growth starts where ego ends.