Chapter Eight Control Freaks: Let Others Evaluate You Used artfully, feedback on competencies can be a priceless tool for self-examination and for cultivating change and growth. Used poorly it can be an emotional bludgeon. --Daniel Goleman, PhD Do you enjoy being criticized? If you are a control freak, the likely answer is no. Let's face it: Most of us would rather be praised than criticized. Yet I am sure you can think of a time when well-timed, well-spoken, and well-delivered feedback helped you to be a better leader. I shared with you earlier that I have had the great fortune of having many forms of feedback in my previous corporate career, but also as a professional speaker and as a consultant. When I was in banking and insurance I worked for a few bosses 149