3 Lessons I Learned From Nastygrams

Once a month, I receive an email or comment that feels angry, mean, or spiteful — usually from an author who disagrees with whatever message I’ve put out there.

For a lot of leaders and entrepreneurs, receiving negative feedback seems like a terrible outcome.

Someone doesn’t like what you’re saying, actively disagrees, and could disparage you and your work all over the Internet.

That’s the worst, right?

Actually, no. I remember three key lessons every time I get offered haterade.

First — some of the most influential authors and books I’ve worked on had thousands of haters.

Here’s why.

Having haters means that your message is provoking an emotion in folks. And that’s true even when the feedback is negative.

Think about the times that you’ve responded to an email, or even posted a review of an experience you’ve had at a restaurant or hotel. It usually has to be really bad or really good, right? The same goes for your email messages and social media posts and ultimately, your book.

Second — criticism gives me the opportunity to ask myself an important question.

Is this person right?