Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela  So what are they gonna do, take away my children? Shoot me in the kneecaps? I guess there are mistakes I could make that would lead to those outcomes, but there's no real imminent danger in seeing or admitting that I'm wrong or mistaken. |
Whoah, Ang, slow down a bit here.
There is a potential for imminent danger.
If the pattern of "being wrong" is continual, that can - and does - set up a predisposition of, "I'm always wrong, therefore I'll just keep my mouth shut and not offer my opinion/advice."
That's counter-productive and isn't conducive to learning.
While the danger may not be physical, like getting kneecapped or something, it's a danger nonetheless because it may reinforce negative self-talk and behaviour.
Human beings exist in community with one another, and part of that community dynamic means that we need the occasional approbation from one another. Constant criticism, though, like 'you're always wrong' diminishes people and sets up a system whereby the criticized person always lives
down to the expectations of them.
I see this in organizations I work with every day, where bosses/managers/owners dole out criticisms in great heaping gobs, but dispense positive reinforcement in the tiniest, insincere drops. The result is lower productivity, more sick days, disorganization, increased errors and a shakier bottom line.