The past few weeks I’ve been trying to really pay attention to my verbal conversations with others. I’ve noticed a trend in my conversations that is down right annoying and ultimately destructive. I first noticed it in my conversations with Brandi but quickly discovered it was popping up in other places as well.

My discovery?

I feel a need to defend my opinions and always be right.

It’s damaged my wife…

Shut down my co-workers…

And crushed healthy debate and differing opinions around me.

So now I’m asking what is it that makes me think I’m usually right and others are usually wrong. Why do I find it so important to defend my opinions and my point of view? Not a lot of answers yet, but I clearly have some work to do.

While I desire to lead, love, and parent with humility and approachability my desire to be “right” can make me come across as arrogant and self righteous. It’s also a huge barrier to me empowering the people I work with and developing a culture of creativity.

Is being right worth the price?

I don’t think so.