I read with great interest the Here to Help section of the New York Times (March 26, 2018) entitled Why It’s So Hard to Hear Negative Feedback and was struck by its relevance. The writer references an episode of a TED podcast “WorkLife With Adam Grant” that discusses our aversion to getting and giving negative feedback.

Many of us have shaky egos and do not tolerate feedback unless it is positive: adoring, accentuating our specialness, statements affirming, “you are doing well” — comments sought out to bolster our sagging egos. The problem with those of us with shaky egos is that we thrive on accolades and resist feedback that is less than favorable or viewed as “negative”. This outlook reflects a fearful and self-limiting perspective and results in lost opportunities for growth, change and self-development. This style creates chronic dissonance in personal and professional relationships.