Listening to the critic can help you get better.
That special event reception was too short, perhaps. Or, that annual report did contain too few pictures that emphasize diversity. Or, our phonathon callers probably could be more engaging.
But, there are times when listening to the critic is wrong-headed.
When the critic sends back your direct mail solicitation with the the question, “why must you always ask for money?” blazed in red ink.
When the critic complains that you “only care about Board members who can make big gifts.”
When the critic admonishes you for giving awards to donors that celebrate philanthropy and generosity.
The critic who helps you do the work better is worth paying attention to. The critic who questions the work itself is not.
