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THIS is the no. 1 career skill no one talks about— But everyone needs to be successful, reveals Adam Grant
ऑफिस में काम करता एक कर्मचारी (Gemini)
In today's hustle culture, where resumes are stacked with degrees and LinkedIn profiles sparkle with certifications, it's easy to assume that the key to success is simply learning more.
But Adam Grant—top-rated Wharton professor and bestselling author—thinks we've got it all wrong.
In a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Grant shared a truth bomb recently:
'The most underrated career skill is the ability to receive tough love. Acquiring knowledge is easy. Obtaining constructive criticism is hard. If you can't handle the truth, people stop telling you the truth.'
Let that sink in.
While most people are busy collecting achievements, Grant argues the real game-changer is how well you handle feedback— especially the kind that stings but helps you grow.
The difference between people who stay stuck and those who thrive often comes down to this one thing: being open to hard truths.
Why feedback feels so personal
If criticism sometimes feels like a punch to the gut, you're not alone. Grant explained in his podcast WorkLife that negative feedback often triggers our defense mode. Your brain races, your pride flares up, and you start preparing your rebuttal instead of really listening.
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It's a common reaction—and a big reason why many people miss out on growth opportunities.
Backing this up, research by psychologist Naomi Winstone shows that while we remember feedback about what we did, we often ignore advice on what we could do better. Our ears catch the judgment, not the guidance.
It's not all on you
Here's the thing: being open to feedback is powerful—but it's not enough. Your workplace needs to support it too.
Psychologist Lisa Steelman's research highlights that feedback thrives in environments where people feel safe, supported, and heard. In teams where empathy and trust are the norm, performance and learning go way up. Without that, even the most receptive person will struggle to improve.
Feedback is a two-way street
At NYU, professor Jay Van Bavel takes feedback seriously—and personally. He invites his students to critique his work.
This kind of open exchange creates a culture of honesty and trust, where feedback isn't feared—it's welcomed.
Adam Grant would nod in agreement. 'The people who grow the most are the ones who take feedback the best,' he says.
The bottom line
Constructive criticism is never fun. It can bruise the ego and challenge your self-image. But what if we stopped seeing it as personal and started seeing it as valuable data—a bridge to becoming better?
Because the truth is, if people stop telling you the truth, you stop improving. And in your career, that could be the biggest blind spot of all.
Sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is stop talking— and just listen.
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