When clouded by personal bias, my perceptions can be destructive. What’s worse, I complicate things by being unteachable. Thus, traits of the foolishly unteachable include convincing myself I’m right despite contrary evidence!
Self-Perception
Self-awareness is a key component of emotional intelligence. Unfortunately, absent external benchmarks, my self-perceptions may not be accurate.
Therefore, Proverbs 12.15 provides a balance point against only seeing things through one lens. In fact, the contrast in that proverb is with listening to advice.
This simple contrast pushes me toward one of two options. First, I can convince myself that I’m (always) right. Or, second, I accept the counsel of others.
Blind arrogance convinces me I’m always right!
Hence, the foolishly unteachable hold to their positions by ignoring the advice of others. However, the wise are willing to listen and then respond appropriately.
Thus, traits of the foolishly unteachable include ignoring sound advice and an over-dependence on self-perceptions.
Who’s Unteachable?
The Hebrew word evil is often translated fool and foolish. For example, the unteachable fool hates instruction (Proverbs 1.7) and resists authority (Proverbs 15.5).
Generally, it’s a waste of time trying to teach the unteachable (Proverbs 16.22).
It’s critical to understand essential meaning but foolish to correct the unteachable. Proverbs 16.22 paraphrase
Moreover, regardless of the rationale presented, an unteachable person is argumentative (Proverbs 29.9).
Thus, in plain English, “nobody can’t tell a fool nothing” because they know it all already (Proverbs 12.15)!
Foolishly Unteachable in Practice
According to Proverbs 12.15, when I’m “right in (my) own eyes” I don’t listen to good advice.
Self-deception is a high-priced, luxury item!
But it gets worse!
For example, see Proverbs 14.12, which is repeated in Proverbs 16.25. The verses say that blindly doing what I’m convinced is right is destructive.
Thus, absent wise counsel, I make serious mistakes.
Being convinced I’m right doesn’t prevent destructive outcomes! Proverbs 14.12 and 16.25 paraphrase
In addition, according to Proverbs 21.2, everything I do is “right in (my) own eyes.” However, the contrast in that verse says that God Himself judges my character.
Being convinced I’m right doesn’t excuse me from being closely examined by God. Proverbs 21.2 paraphrase
Thus, ignoring good advice is destructive. Above all, it leaves me in a poor position with the Almighty!
Therefore, the trait of being foolishly unteachable is costly!
Traits of the Foolishly Unteachable
In short, traits of the foolishly unteachable include:
1). Resisting authority
2). Being argumentative
3). Ignoring sound advice
All this because of an over-dependence on self-perception!
Leadership Insight
Leaders are aware of the observation that “perception is reality.”
Unfortunately, at times, my perception is just plain wrong! As a result, my perception is just plain destructive!
Thus, when I’m hard-headed, or shallow, or careless in my decision process as a leader, bad things happen.
As it turns out, wrong perceptions plus inept processes multiply the negative outcomes of a decision by a leader!
Foolishly Unteachable Blind-spots
Here’s the catch – I’m convinced that I’m right. I’m rational, and logical, and intelligent. But, at times, I’m wrong!
By comparison, one trait of the shallow-minded is to ignore warning signs. See Proverbs 22.3. Similarly, a trait of the foolishly unteachable is to ignore the warnings given by wise counsel.
I convince myself I’m thinking critically. However, in reality, I am acting foolishly, like a simple-minded buffoon!
Side-step the Blind-spots
What are some ways to reduce, not eliminate, foolishly unteachable blind-spots?
Here are some suggestions for leaders to consider:
First, listen to understand. In other words, listen with your heart, not just with your head. However, this type of listening requires the leader to be discerning.
Second, be conscious of cognitive biases. For example, only hearing what matches my preconceived ideas on an issue. In fact, this suggestion argues for self-awareness that’s formed from active self-evaluation.
Third, acknowledge the contribution of all members of your leadership team. How so? By carefully considering contrary opinions that are based on clear logic and sound motives.
However, if you have team members who are self-serving, then make a change. Similarly, if you have team members who lack necessary skills, then provide training or find a replacement.
Thus, here are the options for a leader. One – be wise by recognizing good advice. Two – be foolishly unteachable by listening only to yourself.
Which do you choose?
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