A Leadership Lesson I’ll Never Forget
Some leadership lessons are earned the hard way. One of mine came from a hot grill in Colorado.
I was in culinary school at the time, already working on my craft for years. I was young, arrogant, and convinced I could handle anything. So when I took the toughest station at a local steakhouse—the grill, dreaded by everyone because it was relentless—I thought I was proving myself. Instead, I got humbled.
It was around 7 p.m. on a packed night. The rail was stacked with tickets, my grill was fully loaded, and I was in the zone. Then the chef came back to tell us the owner had just walked in with a large party. That meant even more pressure on top of an already brutal service.
And that’s when it happened.
Two steaks came back, overcooked. I argued with the chef, insisting they were fine. Then another came back—from the owner’s table. I felt attacked. I prided myself on my craft and couldn’t believe my work was being questioned.
Instead of listening to feedback, I let my pride take over. Orders dragged. I missed calls. When teammates offered to help, I snapped at them. I told everyone I had it under control—but I didn’t.
Eventually, the chef stepped in. He pulled me off the station and replaced me to get the night back on track. By the end of service, I was furious with myself—disappointed, embarrassed, and humiliated.
The Feedback That Changed My Perspective
Later that night, the chef pulled me aside. What he said stuck with me for life:
“We have to be willing to take feedback. That’s what makes us great. We’re accountable to our customers—without them, we don’t have jobs. I’m glad you take pride in your work, but you can’t let your pride get in the way of creating great food. The dish is for the customer, not you. And if you refuse help from your team, everyone fails. We need each other.”
Then he let me go.
That was the first time I’d ever been fired. And it became one of the most important leadership lessons of my life.
3 Leadership Pillars That Feedback Strengthens
1. Accountability in Leadership
Leaders are accountable to the people they serve. Leadership isn’t about ego—it’s about responsibility. When we refuse feedback, we break trust and fail the very people we’re meant to lead.
2. Humility: The Doorway to Growth
Pride blinds us. Feedback opens our eyes. If you can’t be corrected, you can’t grow. Humility allows leaders to see their blind spots and step into greater maturity.
3. Brotherhood and Team Leadership
Leadership isn’t a solo sport. Refusing help drags the entire team down with you. Strong leaders invite others in—they don’t isolate themselves.
Why Feedback Is Non-Negotiable for Lasting Leadership
That night taught me a hard truth: leadership without feedback always fails.
You might get by for a season, but eventually, pride, blind spots, or isolation will catch up to you. Feedback isn’t a threat to leadership—it’s what makes it real.
If you want to lead well for the long run—whether in business, your family, or your community—you need accountability, humility, and brotherhood.
Because the leader who won’t take feedback isn’t leading. He’s waiting to fail.
Key Takeaways for Leaders
Feedback fuels growth. Don’t resist it—invite it.
Accountability builds trust. Own your responsibilities.
Humility keeps your vision clear. Pride distorts leadership.
Brotherhood sustains momentum. Leadership thrives in community.
Final Thought
The best leaders aren’t the ones who never make mistakes. They’re the ones who receive feedback, learn quickly, and stay connected to their team and mission.
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