A former mentor, Dr. John Conley, once told me that you can recognize true leaders by how they receive correction and guidance:  People with a teachable spirit are able to learn from their mistakes and grow to become better. People without a teachable spirit are always defending themselves, and blaming circumstances or others for their failures.

If you don’t have a teachable spirit you will constantly wonder why you are being picked on, persecuted . . . or avoided. In fact, if you regularly feel picked on or persecuted by your superior, it could be a sign that you do NOT have a teachable spirit. 

Henry Cloud calls these people fools.  Fools may be very intelligent, but if they can’t or won’t learn, can’t or won’t accept responsibility and grow from correction, then they are indeed fools. A teachable spirit only comes when we are willing to let go of our egos and be open to the fact that we still have some things to learn.

Those with a teachable spirit are also called humble. If you can humble yourself to listen to correction and accept your need to improve there may be hope for you. I’ve seen people with amazing potential literally stall out in their careers because they can’t take correction. They believe they already are wise based on their talent and potential and anyone else’s input isn’t necessary, or even appreciated.

This the difference between the growth mindset and the fixed mindset, a topic well worth exploring in future blog posts.