Unexpected criticism invites defensiveness. You do your best at work and the boss suggests minor improvements. Or your brother’s ungrateful friend comes to dinner.
Defensiveness invites rebuttal.
The person who says everything on their mind multiplies trouble. You don’t need to express yourself.
Wisdom prepares for the inevitable. Here’s how.
People don’t make you feel defensive. Defensiveness is your response. Defensiveness is feeling attacked when others are trying to help. Defensive language: My natural response to criticism or corrective feedback is self-protection. After… Continue reading
Defensiveness makes you a turtle or a tiger. Sometimes you hide your little turtle head. Other times you bare tiger teeth. Defensiveness is eagerness to feel criticized or attacked; an inclination to see… Continue reading
“Not doing,” is one side of finding success. Never let the bottom line be the bottom line. Never pretend things are ok when they aren’t. Never let what you’ve never done be the… Continue reading
Unethical office politicians create perceived threats. They’ll suggest someone is out to get you. “Watch out for Joe!” Vulnerability to unethical office politicians occurs when you wrongly believe they’re acting in your best… Continue reading
The line between healthy dissatisfaction and destructive criticism is narrow. Dissatisfaction drives change and inspires innovation – all leaders feel it. Criticism, on the other hand, inspires fear, resistance, defensiveness, excuses, anger, or… Continue reading
