We Want to Hear From You! |

Take Our Listener Survey Today
EP
9
November 20, 2024
Melissa Richards on Handling Criticism [Lessons in Leadership]

Melissa Richards on Handling Criticism [Lessons in Leadership]

Or listen on:

About the Episode

In this episode, Carrie and Melissa Richards tackle the universal leadership challenge of handling criticism. Melissa offers a thoughtful perspective on receiving feedback, emphasizing the importance of reframing criticism as an opportunity for growth. Whether you're managing a tough conversation or navigating harsh feedback, this episode provides actionable advice for turning critiques into productive exchanges.

Episode Highlights

How Can Leaders Reframe Feedback as a Positive Experience?

Melissa advises viewing criticism as a gift designed to help you grow. She encourages leaders to focus on the constructive intent of the feedback, reminding themselves that the critique is aimed at building something good—namely, their own skills and leadership capacity. Reframing criticism this way makes it easier to stay open-minded and receptive.

Why Does Non-Verbal Communication Matter?

Melissa highlights the importance of body language when receiving feedback. Closed arms or tense posture can signal a closed mind, potentially escalating tension. Instead, keeping your body open and relaxed, maintaining eye contact, and focusing on the message sends signals of willingness to engage productively.

What Should You Do When Criticism is Harsh?

Not all feedback is delivered well. Melissa shares a memorable analogy: feedback should never be served on a "stinky, dirty garbage can lid." If criticism is harsh or poorly delivered, she suggests pausing and asking for a follow-up conversation at a later time. This allows emotions to settle and ensures the discussion can be constructive and forward-focused.

Make sure to check out the full Lessons In Leadership: Handling Criticism today.

About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Lessons In Leadership is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!

The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.

Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st.

People in this episode

Host

Dr. Carrie Phillips is the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at UA Little Rock where she is charged with telling the university’s incredible story. She considers herself part creative and part analyst but fully curious to solve challenges in higher education. Carrie earned her doctorate from Texas Tech University where she studied how regional public universities are using marketing efforts to mitigate the enrollment cliff. Prior to joining UA Little Rock, she worked 14 years at Arkansas Tech University where she led a brand study, the first comprehensive brand campaign and oversaw collateral development for the current comprehensive campaign. Carrie is a member of the American Marketing Association and holds the Professional Certified Marketer credential. She is also chair-elect of the District IV Cabinet for CASE and a member of UCDA. Finally, she is a puppy mom to Eleanor Belle—a 10-pound maltipoo.

Interviewee

Melissa Richards

Other episodes

Episode 21: Admissions, Advancement, and Impact with Element451 with Northern Pennsylvania Regional CollegePlay Button
Episode 21: Admissions, Advancement, and Impact with Element451 with Northern Pennsylvania Regional College

Recorded live at AMA, Brendan dives into an inspiring conversation with Abbi Petrosky, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and Kelsey Angove, Assistant Director of Recruitment, from Northern Pennsylvania Regional College.

2024 Hall of Fame: Kin Sejpal Play Button
2024 Hall of Fame: Kin Sejpal

Host Mallory Willsea spotlights the exceptional contributions of Kin Sejpal, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the University of Redlands.

Episode 41: Predicting Yield through a Holiday Gift GuidePlay Button
Episode 41: Predicting Yield through a Holiday Gift Guide

In this episode Laura Rudolph of Square One Consulting shares how she transformed a holiday gift guide into a powerful admissions yield predictor.

2024 Hall of Fame: Claire BradyPlay Button
2024 Hall of Fame: Claire Brady

Host Mallory Willsea celebrates the induction of Claire Brady, President of Glass Half Full Consulting, into the Enrollify 2024 Hall of Fame.

Episode #8: I’m Not In This AlonePlay Button
Episode #8: I’m Not In This Alone

Hosts Cody Nielsen and Tomika reflect on the challenges, wins, and shifts in higher education and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) work over the past year.

Weekly ideas that make you smarter

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe
cancel

Search podcasts, blog posts, people