If you have a tendency to become defensive when criticized, dig it out of yourself with a melonballer and set it on fire.

Nice phrase. Nice sentiment, too. This is the main sticking point for recruits to most of the non-commercial projects I've been involved with, and if not overcome it's incredibly destructive both on the creative and the critical side of things.

Well-intentioned attempts to attract talent by shielding it from criticism are even worse.