Recently in an article, I left out a crucial sentence. A reader saw my mistake, was puzzled, and contacted me to correct me.

I’m grateful he did, and told him so. You should be grateful as well when someone corrects a mistake you’ve made, whether big or small.

First, someone reading my piece that closely is paying attention. I’m happy for that.

Second, he’s doing me the favor of showing me my error. I need that.

Finally whether the one correcting me is right or wrong, he’s mentally interacting with what I wrote.

Whether you write or not, being corrected is a gift. How can you cultivate that kind of correction?

First, be open to corrections. If you are prickly or easily offended or react unpleasantly to correction, your readers will learn to not offer you correction. They won’t pay attention as carefully, and won’t interact with you in the same way.

You’re not a writer? All of the above still applies. Are you married? Be open to correction of whatever kind from your husband or wife. Do you have children? It’s amazing how much you can learn from even someone as young as five or six years old. Listen to your children. Respect their wisdom.

The same goes for employers, friends, and others you interact with. A genuine correction is a gift to be cherished. Appreciate and learn from those corrections, and you’ll be better at whatever you do.