Love it or hate it, contestants on American Idol have to endure pitiless and very public critiques of their performance by a panel of judges. The judges’ role is not to coach the performers, but to decide which singers can possibly sell massive number of records—in other words, make money. After all, lead judge Simon Cowell has put his own cash into winning performers.

Yet, invariably most singers (and much of the audience) seem confused about Simon’s role, looking for slobbering approval as if he were their patient, supportive coach. Wrong. Think about the many cringe-worthy singers who angrily responded to Simon’s criticism by saying, “What do you know, anyway?” (Presumably, a great deal about what it takes to get music fans to shell out). These sulky singers would have benefited far more by demonstrating the emotional maturity to listen and actually prompt Simon for more comments, as he is well worth hearing out—albeit ruthlessly blunt.

Take a good, long look in the mirror. Do you take feedback as a massive assault? Do you immediately launch a missile at your attackers, thinking, This will show them?

A private equity relationship begins with the intensity and candidness of Simon. Investors will hold you up to the cold, unforgiving light of day to judge if your business could make money in the future. As they go through the steps of deciding whether to give you their cash, they are not going to coach you on your next steps or how to improve.

When their criticisms flow, will you have what it takes to listen? Will you move on to the next round, or are you one of those Idol wannabees furiously stomping off the stage, too insecure to hear the realistic comments you need, oh so badly, to hear?

“95% of people are just not built the same as entrepreneurs” says Alan McMillan, serial entrepreneur. “They would get too discouraged from all the rejection to continue. But those who succeed are able to treat criticism well—almost with the dual ability of treating it as water off a duck’s back while also absorbing the important points. Those emotionally developed entrepreneurs get financing. Emotional control can be learned.”