Learning how to accept correction is one of the most valuable skills we can develop, especially when we’re starting a new job or learning something unfamiliar. Nobody enjoys being told they’ve done something wrong, but how we respond can make a big difference. Here’s something we can practice. When someone corrects us, resist the urge to immediately explain or defend ourselves. Listen until they’re finished, then ask a question to make sure we understand what needs to change. For example, your supervisor tells you that you completed a job incorrectly. Instead of saying, “Well, nobody showed me how to do it,” try saying, “I understand. Can you show me how you’d like it done so I can get it right next time?” Then pay attention, make the correction, and remember it for next time. We don’t have to agree with every criticism, but we can learn to hear it without turning it into an argument. Today’s challenge: The next time someone corrects you, listen without interrupting and ask one question that helps you understand what to do differently.
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