Rising above the noise

The days when criticism was the domain of a few peculiar individuals are long gone. It is an ever-present part of modern life, largely due to social media. With easy access to technology and widespread platforms for feedback, anyone can now become a critic—even on topics that have no direct bearing on their own lives.

- J DEVAPRAKASH, NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION OF INDIA LIMITED, MUMBAI

While constructive criticism is a valuable tool that should be welcomed and acted upon, much of today's criticism has devolved into mere nitpicking—a tendency to look for faults.

Nitpicking can undermine mental focus. In the workplace, especially, leaders and high performers are often subjected to nitpicking remarks. These comments are frequently less about improving performance and more about a need for control or an inability to provide meaningful, strategic feedback. Such criticism becomes a tool to exert power, stifle creativity, and undermine talent.

While avoiding all criticism is impossible—and often undesirable, as it can serve as a valuable source of feedback—one can learn to manage and mitigate nitpicking. A simple approach is the ‘parking lot technique’: acknowledge and set aside minor or off-topic criticisms as well as petty comments intended to hinder progress, for later review so they do not derail the main process. This preserves momentum, allows later review of any useful ideas, and avoids hurting the feelings of the person offering the critique.

Timeless wisdom offers guidance beyond contemporary management tactics. The rich narratives of Indian epics, for example, provide profound lessons on navigate dissent and conflict. Similarly, the histories of pioneering business leaders reveal how they successfully overcome small-minded criticism to achieve their visions. Here are some interesting references:

Intrepidness in leadership: Lesson from Mahabharata

A powerful example from the