Allowing Impact
Receiving Feedback
Summary
The Mature Warrior can receive feedback and criticism without becoming defensive, allowing others' perspectives to impact and improve him.
"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism."
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state."
Allowing Impact
The Mature Warrior knows he has blind spots. He receives feedback, criticism, and correction without becoming defensive. He lets others' perspectives change his mind and improve his performance. This openness is essential for growth.
The Mercenary is defensive. He cannot receive any criticism. The Loser is crushed by negative feedback. The Mature Warrior receives impact without being defensive or destroyed.
Allowing impact requires several capacities:
Non-defensiveness: The Warrior hears criticism without defending or explaining right away. He listens first.
Discernment: The Warrior tells the difference between useful feedback and mere attack. He takes what's valuable and leaves the rest.
Emotional regulation: The Warrior tolerates the discomfort of hearing he's wrong or lacking. He doesn't need to be perfect.
Gratitude: The Warrior appreciates those who care enough to give honest feedback. He knows it's a gift.
Integration: The Warrior uses feedback to improve. He doesn't just hear it—he lets it change him.
Seeking feedback: The Warrior asks for input rather than waiting for it. He wants to know his blind spots.
Allowing impact doesn't mean accepting all criticism without question. The Warrior evaluates feedback and takes what's useful. But he doesn't reject feedback because it's uncomfortable or challenges his self-image.
This openness creates rapid improvement. The Warrior who receives feedback learns faster than one who defends against all input. He has access to others' perspectives and wisdom.
The Warrior who allows impact grows through relationship, improves through feedback, and becomes better through others' honest input.
The men who grow fastest are those who can hear hard truths without crumbling or counterattacking. They turn every piece of honest feedback into fuel for improvement. Their willingness to be changed by others becomes their greatest competitive advantage.