Next time, when a colleague questions a decision you have made, instead of trying to simply defend your position and think I’m right, consider whether you could be wrong and where you may have erred. We all have blind spots. Take the interaction as an opportunity to learn. Moreover, see it as a chance to see something from the other person’s perspective.

It’s not a zero sum game where you are retreating and admitting some kind of defeat. By all means, be willing to defend your idea if you think it’s strong enough. The main aim is to not limit your opportunity for growth and learning.

There’s a really helpful podcast on this on The Knowledge Project with the fantastic management psychologist, Adam Grant.