“You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it also.”

—Anne Lamott, American writer and political activist

Image from wikipedia

Professional and personal feedback can be extraordinarily useful as we learn and grow into better versions of ourselves. Unfortunately, on some occasions, a bit too much tough love or hard reality are forced upon us.

When you have been on the receiving end of such sword chopping, how receptive do you tend to be? How carefully do you listen and remain receptive and coachable? If you are like most people, you might withdraw and stop listening to simply protect yourself from these perceived attacks.

Where, perhaps, have you been giving aggressive feedback to others in your professional or personal communities?

EXERCISE:

Where and how would a kinder, more caring form of feedback and sword pointing (versus chopping) create the openness in yourself and others and the growth and results you intend?