LEADERSHIP GOLD: CHAPTER 4
When You Get Kicked in the Rear, You Know You're Out in Front
When You Get Kicked in the Rear, You Know You're Out in Front
Leadership Lessons from John Maxwell's Leadership Gold – Chapter 4
If you’re a leader making progress, you’re going to face criticism. John Maxwell’s fourth lesson in Leadership Gold cuts straight to the core of leadership reality: the more you lead, the more criticism you attract.
Instead of fearing it, Maxwell suggests embracing criticism as a signpost of leadership success—not failure. In fact, if no one is questioning or resisting you, it may be a sign you’re not leading boldly enough.
So what does it really mean to “get kicked in the rear”? And how should leaders respond when it happens?
Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
1. Criticism is Inevitable for Leaders Who Are Out Front
Leadership, by its very nature, involves change—and change almost always provokes resistance. Maxwell reminds us that if you’re doing something meaningful or new, someone will question you. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
This is especially true when you're leading from conviction, challenging the status quo, or making decisions that not everyone understands. As Maxwell puts it, “You don’t get kicked in the rear unless you’re out in front.” It’s a vivid reminder that criticism often means you’re actually making forward progress.
2. Criticism Reveals More About the Critic Than the Leader
One of Maxwell’s most liberating insights is that criticism often stems from the critic’s own insecurity, misunderstanding, or resistance to change. That doesn’t mean the feedback should be ignored—but it does mean we need to evaluate the source and motive.
Not all criticism is created equal. Some is rooted in envy, fear, or ignorance. Some, however, carries valuable truth. The wise leader learns to separate helpful feedback from harmful noise.
3. How You Respond to Criticism Determines Your Leadership Capacity
Great leaders aren’t derailed by criticism. They use it to grow. Maxwell encourages leaders to listen with discernment, respond with grace, and keep moving forward. He emphasizes that resilience in the face of criticism is a leadership superpower.
The key isn’t to avoid criticism—but to learn how to process it without being paralyzed by it.
Action Steps for Leaders
1. Expect Criticism as a Sign of Progress
Change your mindset: when criticism comes, don’t immediately assume you’re doing something wrong. Ask yourself, Am I being bold? Am I moving forward? If so, the criticism might actually be confirmation that you're on the right track.
2. Consider the Source and Intent
Before reacting, ask: Who is criticizing me—and why? Are they qualified? Do they understand the whole picture? Do they have my best interest—or the mission's best interest—in mind? Filter criticism accordingly.
As John Maxwell says, “You can’t let praise or criticism stick. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.”
3. Look for the Lesson, Even in Harsh Words
Even unfair criticism may carry a seed of truth. Train yourself to ask: What can I learn from this? This posture keeps you humble and growing.
You don’t have to agree with the delivery to receive value from the message.
4. Don’t Let Critics Set the Agenda
One of the biggest dangers is getting distracted by people who are not aligned with your vision. Stay focused. Lead from your values and convictions—not from a desire to please everyone.
As Maxwell teaches: “If you’re a people pleaser, you’re not a leader—you’re a follower with a title.”
5. Build a Feedback Circle You Can Trust
Every leader needs a council of truth-tellers—wise, honest people who know your mission and care about your growth. They can help you process criticism with clarity and provide feedback you can trust.
Final Thought
Being kicked in the rear isn’t a sign you’ve failed—it’s proof that you’re moving. Progress invites pushback. Bold leadership invites criticism. But it also opens the door to real change.
Don’t fear criticism. Use it as a compass, a character-builder, and a sign that you’re out in front where leaders belong.
If you want to make a difference, you have to be willing to take some hits. But the reward is worth it: the growth of your team, the advancement of your vision, and the strengthening of your leadership character.
As Maxwell reminds us, “You’re either making dust or eating it.” And if you’re out in front stirring things up—take heart. That’s what leaders do.
#LeadershipDevelopment Toolkit
Here’s how you can take action this week:
✅ Reflect: What criticism have you received recently? Was it warranted or off-base?
✅ Discern: Who are the voices in your life that you can truly trust for honest feedback?
✅ Decide: Is there a criticism you need to learn from—or let go of?
✅ Encourage: Thank someone on your team who took a risk and received pushback. Help them reframe it as progress.
✅ Lead: Keep going. You’re out in front—and that’s exactly where you’re meant to be.
Bill Storm
Leadership Lessons from John Maxwell's Leadership Gold – Chapter 4
If you’re a leader making progress, you’re going to face criticism. John Maxwell’s fourth lesson in Leadership Gold cuts straight to the core of leadership reality: the more you lead, the more criticism you attract.
Instead of fearing it, Maxwell suggests embracing criticism as a signpost of leadership success—not failure. In fact, if no one is questioning or resisting you, it may be a sign you’re not leading boldly enough.
So what does it really mean to “get kicked in the rear”? And how should leaders respond when it happens?
Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
1. Criticism is Inevitable for Leaders Who Are Out Front
Leadership, by its very nature, involves change—and change almost always provokes resistance. Maxwell reminds us that if you’re doing something meaningful or new, someone will question you. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
This is especially true when you're leading from conviction, challenging the status quo, or making decisions that not everyone understands. As Maxwell puts it, “You don’t get kicked in the rear unless you’re out in front.” It’s a vivid reminder that criticism often means you’re actually making forward progress.
2. Criticism Reveals More About the Critic Than the Leader
One of Maxwell’s most liberating insights is that criticism often stems from the critic’s own insecurity, misunderstanding, or resistance to change. That doesn’t mean the feedback should be ignored—but it does mean we need to evaluate the source and motive.
Not all criticism is created equal. Some is rooted in envy, fear, or ignorance. Some, however, carries valuable truth. The wise leader learns to separate helpful feedback from harmful noise.
3. How You Respond to Criticism Determines Your Leadership Capacity
Great leaders aren’t derailed by criticism. They use it to grow. Maxwell encourages leaders to listen with discernment, respond with grace, and keep moving forward. He emphasizes that resilience in the face of criticism is a leadership superpower.
The key isn’t to avoid criticism—but to learn how to process it without being paralyzed by it.
Action Steps for Leaders
1. Expect Criticism as a Sign of Progress
Change your mindset: when criticism comes, don’t immediately assume you’re doing something wrong. Ask yourself, Am I being bold? Am I moving forward? If so, the criticism might actually be confirmation that you're on the right track.
2. Consider the Source and Intent
Before reacting, ask: Who is criticizing me—and why? Are they qualified? Do they understand the whole picture? Do they have my best interest—or the mission's best interest—in mind? Filter criticism accordingly.
As John Maxwell says, “You can’t let praise or criticism stick. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.”
3. Look for the Lesson, Even in Harsh Words
Even unfair criticism may carry a seed of truth. Train yourself to ask: What can I learn from this? This posture keeps you humble and growing.
You don’t have to agree with the delivery to receive value from the message.
4. Don’t Let Critics Set the Agenda
One of the biggest dangers is getting distracted by people who are not aligned with your vision. Stay focused. Lead from your values and convictions—not from a desire to please everyone.
As Maxwell teaches: “If you’re a people pleaser, you’re not a leader—you’re a follower with a title.”
5. Build a Feedback Circle You Can Trust
Every leader needs a council of truth-tellers—wise, honest people who know your mission and care about your growth. They can help you process criticism with clarity and provide feedback you can trust.
Final Thought
Being kicked in the rear isn’t a sign you’ve failed—it’s proof that you’re moving. Progress invites pushback. Bold leadership invites criticism. But it also opens the door to real change.
Don’t fear criticism. Use it as a compass, a character-builder, and a sign that you’re out in front where leaders belong.
If you want to make a difference, you have to be willing to take some hits. But the reward is worth it: the growth of your team, the advancement of your vision, and the strengthening of your leadership character.
As Maxwell reminds us, “You’re either making dust or eating it.” And if you’re out in front stirring things up—take heart. That’s what leaders do.
#LeadershipDevelopment Toolkit
Here’s how you can take action this week:
✅ Reflect: What criticism have you received recently? Was it warranted or off-base?
✅ Discern: Who are the voices in your life that you can truly trust for honest feedback?
✅ Decide: Is there a criticism you need to learn from—or let go of?
✅ Encourage: Thank someone on your team who took a risk and received pushback. Help them reframe it as progress.
✅ Lead: Keep going. You’re out in front—and that’s exactly where you’re meant to be.
Bill Storm
Show Notes and Worksheets
| chapter_4_leadership_growth_worksheet.pdf |
✅ Biblical Alignment Check
| chapter_4_biblical_alignment_check.pdf |
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