It’s those words you don’t like to hear. Especially when it comes from someone you care about or from a supervisor at your job. If you are like me, when you hear those words, you prepare yourself to go on the defensive because you know most likely the next words to follow are not ones you want to hear. Naturally, people do not want to hear about where they are falling short. You and I have been there. We especially don’t like it when we put forth the effort to be the best we can be.
Through the years, I have learned a lot about humility. I have learned that when someone I care about wants to talk, it’s for a reason, whether I think it’s a good reason or not. When you are humble, you understand that you can fall short, you understand that there is an opportunity to grow regardless of how the conversation ends. Feelings can hurt, egos can be bruised, and relationships can be stretched. But underneath all those things is the opportunity to become a better person.
There is, however, one thing you can overlook if you don’t stay humble in moments like this. It’s the fact that you FAIL to take advantage of those opportunities to grow. There were times in my life where I would be upset or sad for days, weeks, and even months. Those emotions laid a blanket on that opportunity for growth. Sadly, there were times I let those opportunities die underneath all that emotion.
Anything worthwhile is not going to be easy. When you hear the words “We need to talk”. Step into that conversation with humility. There will be good that can arise from it.
–Jeff Turner
