Last week I asked for some feedback from some of the other forums that I frequent.

I asked for and was seeking, clarification as to the content and direction that I was heading  with this very blog site.

The feedback was mixed, interesting and I also have to say in some cases, a little bruising, but that I did get feedback should be good news.

Apparently I had typos’ in some of my postings and worse than that, the apostrophe ‘s’ cardinal sin had been committed on more than a few occasions. I have to admit to being horrified because attention to detail is one of my Holy Grails and one for which I am well-known, after all my analysis skills do come from sheer hard work.

I reflected and reflected again.

I re-read the comments and there were a several very encouraging and quite complimentary remarks from people whom I respect, so my feedback was actually, totally positive.

I parked my ego, listened to what was being said and remembered the mantra “you only fail if you fail to get up again”

Does a mountaineer never get a scuffed shin or cut hand or a racing driver slide into a barrier? And yet unwittingly I took the very feedback I’d asked for to heart – how ridiculous.

I often sit across the table from a Client in my consultancy and see the arms slowly being folded and the plastic smile emerge when an uncomfortable issue is being addressed.

Is this how we react in business? Do we never expect to get a rebuff, a financial loss or a disparaging remark about our capability?

There is indeed learning from failure, failure to reach the top, the best, utopia or however else you classify success but in seeking and striving for that achievement there are inevitably the bruises along the way.

If you would like some feedback on your business maybe you should be talking to us?

We’ve been there and can truthfully say “we’ve even got the bruises to show for it.”