Correction in Pursuit of Perfection
May 16, 2010 · 0 Comments
By: Robert J. Tamasy
“A writer is only as good as his or her editor.” Virtually all good writers understand this truism – sometimes their writing requires corrective treatment. Whether it means finding grammatical or spelling errors, pointing out that a phrase or sentence is unclear, or challenging the writer to rethink the overall premise, correction is an important element in the quest to connect effectively with our audience.
Correction, however, often is not easy. It can be disappointing, disheartening, at times even humiliating, to be informed that one’s wondrous prose, laboriously and lovingly produced, has fallen short of its intent to enrapture the reader. So we are faced with two options – to seriously consider the editors’ views and recommendations, or to ignore them, convinced that they simply fail to appreciate our literary genius.
The value of correction – some might refer to it as constructive criticism – is not confined to writers only. This principle holds true for any other workplace pursuit as well. Even the most talented worker – a salesperson, craftsman, manager or top executive – needs to learn and refine skills to excel. It helps to have an outsider, an objective observer, who is able to recognize our flaws and limitations, and then suggest how we might improve.
Unfortunately, correction is not always welcomed. Sometimes it is resented and rejected. At issue is one’s pride, an unwillingness to assume an attitude that is typically the very opposite of pride – humility. The consequences of refusing to at least consider well-intended correction from others can be serious. Perhaps that is why one small section of the Old Testament book of Proverbs, its 15th chapter, offers several passages on this topic:
To ignore correction is foolish. It is painful at times to be corrected, but it might be in our best interests to pay attention. “A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5).
Failure to heed correction can be devastating. To be disciplined means to be redirected in the way we were intended to go. Unwillingness to accept such correction can set us on the wrong course, perhaps one without return. “Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die” (Proverbs 15:10). “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding” (Proverbs 15:31-32).
Spurning correction results in turning away from wisdom. Once we have made up our minds, it can be hard to accept correction even when offered for our own good. But to reject it without even giving it fair consideration is usually unwise. “A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise” (Proverbs 15:12).
To consider correction helps to clarify plans and goals. One way of evaluating your planning and goal-setting is to ask trusted friends and colleagues to provide their opinions and advice. By adding their views to the mix, you are more likely to reach the right conclusions. “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22).
Properly receiving correction requires humility. Much of life is a process of learning and understanding – at times that involves the humility of admitting we do not know everything. The greatest act of humility is to submit to God, acknowledging His rule over our lives – even if it means sacrificing our personal desires. “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility” (Proverbs 15:33).
Until next week!
Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran of more than 35 years in professional journalism, he is the author of Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press) and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring: 10 Proven Principles for Developing People to Their Fullest Potential (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or www.rivercitypress.net.
