It’s easy enough to thank the folks that say nice things about you. But it takes real wisdom to embrace your critics. Recognizing that it’s passion, whether positive or negative, that fosters forward progress, Palm Computing’s CEO Ed Colligan has paid real respect to those who are clobbering his company with the truth.

In “Dear Palm: It’s time for an intervention“, Engadget’s Peter Rojas basically tells Palm that it is falling apart and better fix itself before it’s game over. It’s a detailed laundry list of things the company needs to do, and analysis on what it’s done wrong. All in all a very tough review.

What’s remarkable is the grace by which Ed Colligan accepts this very public feedback. The traditional approach is to ignore negative press like this, as if by not acknowledging it will become less credible. But Colligan instead expresses his gratitude, then reinforces the criticisms as a way of expressing his seriousness of intent:

I really appreciate the fact that you guys and others care enough to take the time to write such a comprehensive list of actions. I forwarded it to our entire executive staff and many others at Palm have read it. Although I can’t say I agree with every point, many are right on. We are attacking almost every challenge you noted, so stay tuned.

This is a Judo move worthy of a master.