This Question Helps Uncover Your Pride
“Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune. ” CG Jung
I know a guy who consistently responds to the question, "How are you doing?" by saying, "Life is crazy!! I'm so busy and work is so amazing I barely have time to myself."
Then he spends the next five minutes rattling through the fantastic things in his life while the person on the other side of the conversation desperately looks for an escape hatch. You can literally see his chest swell as he brags about his activities.
The experience is so painful, it's almost funny.
I wish he could see the way his behavior impacts others, but he's too busy talking to notice the awkward silence or eye-rolling.
Chances are you know someone like this as well; someone whose arrogance is so over-the-top you hide whenever they come near.
But do you ever wonder if you're "that guy"? Do you ever take an inventory and ask someone the tough question,
"What is it like to be on the other side of me?"
Feedback is a gift, and the best way to receive the gift is to ask the question.
Of course, the answer isn't always pleasant, but it's usually what you need to hear. My career has been marked by people brave enough to tell me when I'm being too pushy or aggressive. There was also that awkward "dress incident" which set me back emotionally, but ultimately made me make wiser decisions.
How has your growth been fueled by facing bad news?