Hi, Karen - catching up on my overdue reading:)

This is a strong post about feedback, from both the aspect of how we sabotage the value of receiving it and from consideration of how to appropriately increase the feedback (i.e. gift) that we receive.

Your lead story reminds me of a CEO I once worked for, who was so certain of her own ability to self-evaluate that she felt very comfortable ignoring the data I faithfully and consistently collected and presented to her.  Sometimes the person who needs to hear other's perceptions most is the one who is least interested.

Your comment about reacting poorly also rang true with me.  I know I have had to work on listening to the perceptions of others regarding my performance without becoming defensive (or as I call it, "explaining myself").  This is an Achille's Heel for many of us.  We are trained and developed to become self-confident and independent leaders, but nobody helps us become open to what might be said.  I envy those who more naturally have this ability.

Thanks for an engaging and thoughtful contribution:).

John