Defensiveness is an issue that causes a lot of harm in mentoring relationships - or any relationship for that matter. When we are challenged, confronted, or questioned as Kidmin leaders - sadly we often respond with a knee-jerk, reflex response that does more harm than good. For years, my insecurity caused me to struggle with being defensive. Under the hurt feelings and protests is a deep sense that I’m not adequate, personally or professionally—or both. No one is above correction, and we can all learn to handle it with grace. Sometimes, I do a pretty good job of controlling my […]