How to Be a Fixer, Not a Finger-Pointer

"When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself." -- Louis Nixer, noted American trial lawyer. "I never yet heard man or woman much abused that I was not inclined to think the better of them, and to transfer the suspicion or dislike to the one who found pleasure in pointing out the defects of another." -- Jane Porter, nineteenth century Scottish novelist and dramatist. Few of us truly appreciate criticism, because no matter how valid or constructive, it can be embarrassing or annoying (especially when someone fails to offer a solution to the perceived problem). Poking holes in something is much easier than repairing them—yet most critics don't let that stop them. Hence the saying, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach; … [Read more...]