How To Receive News You Don't Want To Hear - And Why It's Good For You!

 How do you respond when someone approaches you and dares to let you know that something you're doing requires adjustment? Do you possess humility enough to graciously hear when you're heading in the wrong direction and to energetically respond by making the necessary changes? I was privileged to take part in a leadership study today that discussed the dangers of falling victim to one's own success because of pride. The example we discussed was King Uzziah, whose life is presented in 2 Chronicles 26 of the Bible. Immensely successful, King Uzziah's ego grew beyond his achievements. He began to shun the faithful advisors who had helped him attain his powerful position and shunned the hallmarks of the character that made him a standout. Full of himself, he wound up out of power and position - pitied and alone. Somewhere along his journey, he unhitched the precious cargo of humility and gracious leadership and replaced it with the baggage of pride and heavy-handed authoritarianism. He did this to his own destruction. Have you reached the top of the mountain in your career? Perhaps you enjoy incredible success in your work? Beautiful! But, do those around you feel comfortable bringing you truth or advice, even when it's hard, or do they fear your wrath if they were to share less than welcome information. Learn from Uzziah! Don't spoil a great legacy of leadership and faitful service by being too proud to listen to the input of others. Consider these words from Bill Gates: “Sometimes, I think my most important job as a CEO is to listen for bad news. If you don’t act on it, your people will eventually stop bringing bad news to your attention and that is the beginning of the end.” Keep your ears open to the truth, and your heart tender enough to receive it. Lives may depend on it, including your own!