#Correction March 27

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Yesterday post was on confrontation today it on CORRECTION.

Certain habits I have adopted have helped me grow. When you attempt to improve your personal self-awareness it is not a bed of roses. Self awareness lets us evaluate the appropriate way to speak, think, act, and listen. One personal difficulty for me is to be on the receiving end of CORRECTION. My skills as a receiver of some type of CORRECTION are often flawed.

Thru self awareness I have begun to realize that my default setting when I am being CORRECTED is not always positive. It has set me on a journey to improve my reaction to suggestions and advice. It has not been easy or quickly accomplished.

Depending on who, how and where a CORRECTION is delivered to me can trigger a negative reaction. As I have analyzed my behaviors I have determined there are three I would like to minimize.

The first behavior is I tend to become defensive because I feel my self-worth is being attacked. The second is I can become emotionally aloof and dismiss what is coming my way. Finally I have become aware that I become irritated especially towards the messenger. None of these admissions is very flattering, yet self awareness has triggered my desire to change. I still have a long way to go to become better at listening, evaluating, and embracing CORRECTION but I am on path to improve.

I did a lot of reading on CORRECTION a few weeks ago. One passage from the Bible, specifically Proverbs 15:31 reminded me about the importance of paying attention to CORRECTION.

“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.“

So what have I learned on how to improve receiving a CORRECTION?

First I need to master “Active Listening”

Second-resist the temptation to argue-the best response is to engage in Active Listening and say Thank You.

Third-Evaluate slowly what feedback I have received. An example is not to respond immediately to an angry email that is suggesting I have made a mistake. When I sleep on my response I tend to become less emotional. The same is true in evaluating a CORRECTION. Take time to think thru what you received.

Fourth-Determine what behavior I need to change. Take some action.

Fifth-Let the person who gave me the CORRECTIVE feedback on how I grew from their suggestion.

Will close the post with a TED Talk by Joy Mayer on how to react to feedback.

Yes a leader has to learn to confront but also respond positively to CORRECTIONS.