Just realized my "helpful" feedback was actually just me being controlling

I told my coworker Dave his spreadsheet layout was wrong last Wednesday, then he showed me his data was 15% more accurate than mine. It hit me that I was so focused on my way being the "right" way that I never actually checked if his method worked better. Anyone else ever catch yourself critiquing someone's process just because it's different from yours?

4 comments

4 Comments

kim.jake1mo ago

Oh man, 15% more accurate? That must have stung a little. I'd probably feel pretty dumb in that moment too, but good on you for owning it. It's wild how easy it is to mistake habit for being right.

wadew511mo ago

Hold up, is a 15% accuracy difference on a spreadsheet really something to get twisted about? Feels like you're making a mountain out of a molehill with this whole "controlling" label.

wadew511mo ago

Ha, well you're not wrong there. I probably did look pretty foolish at the time, especially considering I was the one who insisted the spreadsheet was wrong in the first place. Honestly, it's a good reminder that being so sure of yourself can backfire in a hurry. I'm just thankful it wasn't something that cost us real money, just a bit of pride. Live and learn, I guess.

gracec161mo ago

Kept a little notebook for a month where I wrote down every time I wanted to "fix" someone's method. Realized about 80% of the time it was just habit, not actual improvement.