For over a decade, I had this wonderful side “gig” as a nationally syndicated movie reviewer. I appeared on about 100 TV stations weekly in the US and Canada presenting my critiques of whatever film was the biggest one opening for that weekend. (Part of this story — and what I learned from the best, Roger Ebert — makes up a chapter of my new book.) As you might imagine, there were some films I loved, and some I could not stand, and I wasn’t shy about expressing my opinions.
Now the proverbial shoe is on the other foot. With a new book coming out, it is time for me to face the reviews that various commentators will offer about my work. (Hmmmm…can you say, “Karma,” Scott?)
So far, I’ve been extremely fortunate – and the reviews have been overwhelmingly good — way beyond my expectations. However, one I was really looking forward to was seeing what Chris Brogan thought. His blog – along with Seth Godin’s – are my absolute favorites, and I really respect his viewpoints.
Well…when he was decidedly lukewarm about “Collapse of Distinction,” it’s safe to say I was devastated. He wanted a more broad-based work — which I understand, however, it’s something I had done in my two previous books, and didn’t want to do again. (Which is not something Chris would or should know. And, obviously, each book has to stand on its own.)
However, I thought back on my own movie reviewing experience. After literally hundreds of films, only one director – Barry Sonnenfeld – ever said a sincere “thanks for your effort” after a negative review. He knew that it was as much work to give a bad review as a good one — and that, as long as the reviewer is honest about his or her opinions, it is always a subjective issue. There is no “right” or “wrong” review.
So, I wrote Chris and thanked him for taking time to read the book. I honestly admitted that I wished he would have liked it better, and in a “PS,” I told the story of how I had asked for the input of Barnes & Noble on the cover.
Guess what? Chris became interested in that aspect…we exchanged messages…and he has published a significant blog on it. And, he reconsidered his earlier opinion about the book, in a much more favorable manner. (For all of which, I am grateful.)
Note — he did not come back and say the book’s the greatest thing since moveable type. (Or, even since the first of the year.) And, that’s important, too.
All of this involves several lessons important to all professionals:
1) Express your opinions openly and honestly
2) Be open to additional ideas and input, even after you’ve expressed your own
3) Possess the self-confidence necessary to change your mind a bit
4) If you’re public in your criticism, be public in your praise
5) Don’t go overboard with your revisions. Integrity is saying what you believe — not saying what will please.
Honestly, I STILL wish he would have loved the book…a “pull down the goalposts” and “throw babies in the air” kind of response…and sponsored burnings of “Good to Great” at various locations around the country.
However, I’m left with something even better…proof that one of my favorite writers/bloggers is a good and open guy who is willing to continue to consider alternative viewpoints and take steps to make things right.
Isn’t that an important part of what your customers…and colleagues…REALLY want from you?
Comments on this entry are closed.