“Amy” shares her business dream with people who call her “silly” and disparage her. I suggested, “If you’re going to share your dream, share it with the few who’ll encourage and support you; not insult you.” Of course, seeking counsel from others is wise, even if their feedback is negative. If they’re “thinking people” whom you respect, utilize their thoughts to see where you might need to adjust your planning.
Roy Disney was notorious for telling his brother why something “couldn’t” be done. Walt typically did it anyway and usually succeeded, but he respected Roy’s wisdom enough to take counsel and consider it. That’s different from what Amy is doing.
If you’re sharing your dream and being flat-out insulted or putdown, you’re not doing yourself (or your dream) a service but something counterproductive to success.
“Calling an idea “silly” is not critique worth taking seriously. Had he said, “here’s why I don’t think it will work” and then listed some Happily Overheard
Without tenderness, a man is uninteresting.
-Marlene Dietrich, German movie actress (1901-1992) reasons, then it’s worth considering. That doesn’t mean she must agree. But, if that person has a track record of accomplishment, it certainly would be worthwhile to seriously weigh their advice.
However, “it’s silly” doesn’t cut it. That kind of “critique” typically comes from people who call themselves “realists.” My friend, Jim Cathcart (www.jimcathcart.com) says, “....a realist is simply a pessimist who doesn’t want to admit it. I’ve never heard a ‘realist’ take an optimistic posture on any topic. They always say, ‘Let’s be realistic,’ and then go on to explain why your idea can’t be done. Imagine a realist saying, ‘Realistically, we don’t yet know what the possibilities are. This could be easier than we think!’” I like Jim’s take. So, choose wisely those with whom you share your dream. Learn from everyone, but share your dream with few.
Bob Burg (www.burg.com)is co-author of the newlyreleased, The Go-Giver (www.TheGoGiver.com), available in bookstores nationwide. He is also author of Endless Referrals and Winning Without Intimidation. He lives in Jupiter, Florida.