The line between healthy dissatisfaction and destructive criticism is narrow. Dissatisfaction drives change and inspires innovation – all leaders feel it.

Criticism, on the other hand, inspires fear, resistance, defensiveness, excuses, anger, or bitterness.

Dissatisfaction points to potential, growth, and improvement. Criticism digs at what was wrong.

Healthy dissatisfaction motivates. Criticism demotivates.

Embrace dissatisfaction – temper criticism.

1. Focus more on what you want and less on what you don’t want.
2. Criticize when invited but do it gently, most can’t tolerate it. I’ve been watching responses to subtle, gentle criticisms. Most sit back and cross their arms – even if they don’t say anything – their body language pulls back. They seldom lean in and say, “Tell me more.”
3. The right to criticize is earned with love and loyalty.

Create dissatisfaction by:

1. Thinking of what could be. “Wouldn’t it be great if …”
2. Allowing failure – as long as consequences aren’t permanent…