Success and Critique
“He’s not clutch!” “He doesn’t have that killer instinct!” “He has failed multiple times in the big moments.” These are Skip Bayless’ words describing LeBron James. Any NBA fan knows that hell hath no fury like Skip Bayless when talking about LeBron. Skip is a proud member of the LeBron hate train and full disclosure, I am a diehard LeBron fan. The guy is one of the most accomplished athletes to ever live. On the court, he is a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time MVP, 19-time All-Star, and ranks first all-time in points, second all-time in assists, fifth all-time in steals, and seventh all-time in rebounds. Off the court, he is a great father, a community leader, and a member of the select billionaire-athlete club.
Let’s take a look at some of Skip’s claims. LeBron averages 8.1 points in the fourth quarter (3rd all-time). However, he has made seven game-winning shots (14th all-time) and has won 4 out of 7 Game 7s. LeBron has appeared in a staggering 10 playoff finals, winning four of them. In comparison, his rival for the Greatest Of All Time title, Michael Jordan, has won all six of his playoff final appearances! This data suggests that “haters” like Skip Bayless can be right too. For the young health professional, this means that just because someone doesn’t like you doesn’t mean they are wrong. Context matters! While LeBron’s clutch stats would be enough for any other player, they are not enough for a player gunning for the title of Greatest Of All Time. LeBron’s talent sets high expectations and anything short of perfection is seen as a failure.
If you aim to be the best version of yourself, you cannot lower the bar. However, you cannot diminish your accomplishments either. Getting the right balance requires more than just building tough skin and taking pride in your accomplishments. You must get comfortable with scrutiny because it is the other side of attention. This requires being honest with yourself. If there is truth in the critique, learn from it. If the critique is all hate and no facts, use that feeling as fuel to elevate your game. Few aspects of medicine lend themselves to this concept quite like academic medicine. Attention comes in the form of publications in high-impact journals, citations, and presentations at academic conferences. Scrutiny comes in the form of peer reviews and journal clubs. While many complain about the ruthless reviewer number 2, few acknowledge how much these reviewers help improve the quality of science. Good positive feedback will be specific and consistent. More importantly, it will suggest improvements. Great feedback will have all these characteristics in addition to being respectful and encouraging. While we all hope for great feedback, the majority of feedback is in the mediocre-to-good category. Therefore, we must learn to look past the snarky and blunt remarks and find what will improve our work.
LeBron has looked past the snarky remarks from his haters and has used the critique to evolve his game. His game has undergone a significant transformation since his tenure with the Miami Heat. While his athleticism and basketball IQ have remained constant, his playing style has evolved to adapt to the changing landscape of the NBA. One of the most noticeable changes in LeBron's game has been his increased focus on playmaking. During his time in Miami, he was often seen as a dominant scorer who could take over games. However, in recent years, he has become a more selfless player, often deferring to his teammates and creating scoring opportunities for others. This shift has allowed LeBron to become a more versatile player who can fit into different systems and playstyles. Another significant change in LeBron's game has been his improved three-point shooting. While he was never a prolific shooter from beyond the arc during his early years, he has developed a reliable three-point shot in recent seasons. This has made him a more dangerous offensive player, as teams can no longer afford to leave him open from distance.
“If you have haters, you must be doing something right.” - Unless the “haters” are right
The key takeaway for young professionals is not to let the source of critique overshadow the message. Just as LeBron has evolved his game in response to criticism, aspiring professionals can learn from their detractors to become better versions of themselves. By maintaining a positive attitude, seeking constructive feedback, and striving for continuous improvement, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Ultimately, success is not solely measured by external validation, but by one's own personal growth and development.
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