Thanks for the Feedback

I had submitted a list of possible names for selection on a team. I thought the names were all good ideas. No reason to question my logic. I acknowledged to the team leader that it was my attempt to draft the names and that I wasn't beholden to the list. What if someone questioned a name or two? I didn't have any problem with that, or so I thought...

I receive my share of feedback from family, friends, co-workers, customers and mentors. I don't think I am very different than other people that I know. My question in this post is this...How are you at receiving feedback? What is your first response when someone tells you some bit of feedback? Do you bristle? Do you take a step back? Are you shocked? How much time does it take for you to hear what was said and consider whether or not it is true or not?

What is the Character Matter with receiving feedback? Humility and Pride.

I have been paying close attention to how I receive feedback and I am surprised by my response. I begin by defending my logic and my stand. I then move to a willingness to consider that my idea or position may not be the best. Then, with more time, and more introspection, I find myself most open to hearing what was said.

How does Character Matter?
The character of humility matters when it comes to working with other people. For the good of the team or in my life or marriage, my ideas could not possibly be the best all the time.
How open to others ideas are you? Do your colleagues or family see you as always needing to be right, even if you may be wrong? How are the teams you are working on? Do they kid you about your need to be right?

I want to include something, I know there are some things where I will be right and other areas I will be wrong. I attitude I am most concerned with is my attitude when I am right and someone has the courage to question it. Or what is my first response when someone posits an alternative?

How can we grow this vital Character like humility? Is it only through practice? Is it repeated humiliation that leads to long-term humility?