Accepting correction is not natural. It goes against our natural defenses. Since we all make mistakes it is necessary. Be prepared and you will not turn into a bucket of tears or a raging bull.

When you are being corrected by someone in authority over you, ignore the emotions involved, that is just their reaction to the problem. Listen carefully, and ask yourself these three questions and then respond accordingly.

Listen:
1. What is the problem? (e.g. I made everyone late, I lost something, I was inconsiderate, etc.)

2. What is my responsibility? (e.g. treat others as I want to be treated, take care of what I have been given, etc.)

3. What am I going to do in the future? (e.g. get ready 15 minutes earlier, replace the item I lost, consider others first, etc.)

Respond:

1.  State the problem. (e.g.  I made everyone late)

2. Acknowledge your responsibility. (e.g. I should be ready early so no one has to wait on me and I can be helpful)

3. Apologize for missing the mark, and commit to specific actions to correct the problem. (I’m sorry I made us late, and I will be ready 15 minutes early next time)

What NOT to do:

1. Do NOT criticise the way the offended person explains the problem or expresses emotion. (That’s not exactly what happened, I think you mean….,  you don’t have to raise your voice)

2.Do NOT try to mitigate the significance of your mistake.  (e.g. It could have been worse, I don’t usually…)

3. Do NOT place blame on others.  (If you had reminded me more… if he hadn’t taken so long…)

4. Do NOT accept responsibility for other people’s choices or responses. (I’m sorry I made you mad, I’m sorry you signed me up for the class)

5. Do NOT pass judgment on yourself. (I’m a disappointment, I’m a terrible person, you must be disappointed in me etc.)

I Corinthians 7:8-11 (NIV)

⁸ Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—⁹ yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. ¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. ¹¹ See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

Correction is an opportunity.  Don’t miss the opportunity to grow, or let it damage your relationships.  Use the sorrow you feel as a call to action, to make a change for the good.  It is a chance to put to death an area of selfishness and live in the power of the Holy Spirit within you.