The author Jon Acuff coined the term “Critics Math.” Here’s the equation: 

1000 compliments + 1 insult = 1 insult

Seems like a nonsensical equation. However, it makes total sense in leadership. It’s the notion that we can do a thousand things right, get a thousand compliments, or make a thousand good decisions, but then we fixate on the one criticism, the one insult we receive, or the one bad decision. 

• When you believe critics math, you make it more powerful. Every time you believe it, it gets easier to give in to it next time. 
• You ignore the huge majority of people who are happy with your leadership. 
• You focus on trying to make that one person happy when you most likely won’t be able to do that anyway, especially in education, pastoral, or community service work. 
• You take your eye off your mission of evangelization and education.

Instead, think about these three things:

1. 1. You will absolutely have critics. You may have a few that criticize absolutely everything you do. Ignore them.
   2. If you don’t have critics, you’re a bad leader. You’re trying to please everybody and be popular, which eventually means you’re pleasing no one. Wanting to be popular is the best sign of being a lousy leader. 
   3. Critics math is a lie. Period. Reject it and move on!

Learn more about Jon Acuff