“… Constructive criticism may have a place. But, the idea of building one’s self up… while tearing the other down… may not be a wise step in career building…”

HE BLEW OUT MY CANDLE… Have you had “your candle” blown out recently? Well… just recently, a friend and colleague, decided he wanted to be a tad bit critical of me.  That was fine (even though I don’t take criticism well…. Who does?) He started out doing it one on one; but when several others walked up, his voice and demeanor shifted to being more loud and hostile.

His criticism, in effect… blew out my candle.  Little did he realize that by blowing out my candle, it did not make his candle brighter… and judging by the reaction of the “on-lookers,” I would guess that he blew out his own candle… in his wild effort to blow out mine…therefore, serving no useful purpose?

My wife shared with me, just a few days ago, that when one breaks a prized vase (by accident, or course); then apologizes for it; his apology does not put Humpty-Dumpty back together again.  Surely he was SORRY, but the damage had been done …permanently.  That’s what we do sometimes to our friends, family, and maybe, even co-workers, hopefully though, not intentional, but still…we have a broken Humpty-Dumpty.

Always, our speech should be edifying. First Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another.” And, then Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”  

So, rather its business or pleasure… constructive criticism may have a place. But the idea of building one’s self up… while tearing the other down… serves no purpose; and certainly not a wise step in career building. THINK… before putting your MOUTH in gear; because you might “blow out someone’s candle.”

…Blessings…cjlb…2/3/16