A defensive attitude is a typical response when we feel threatened, criticized, or challenged.
It involves putting up barriers and reacting with hostility or defensiveness to protect ourselves from perceived harm.
However, maintaining a defensive attitude can hinder personal growth and accountability, damage relationships and the development of a training culture, and limit our ability to learn from constructive feedback.
In this post, we will explore a defensive attitude, its potential consequences, and strategies for overcoming defensiveness and cultivating a more open and receptive mindset.
Definition
A defensive attitude is a reactive response to perceived threats or criticism.
When someone adopts a defensive attitude, they are often quick to justify their actions, avoid taking responsibility, and may become aggressive or argumentative.
Defensiveness can arise in various situations, such as during conflicts when receiving feedback or facing personal insecurities.
The Value of Understanding Body Language
Understanding body language is crucial in identifying defensiveness in ourselves and others.
Nonverbal cues, such as crossed arms, tense posture, or avoiding eye contact, can indicate that someone feels defensive.
By recognizing these signs, we can respond with empathy and take steps to defuse the situation.
Features of Defensive Attitude
- Justification: Defensive individuals tend to explain their behavior or actions rather than acknowledge any possible faults.
- Blame-Shifting: When feeling defensive, individuals may shift the blame onto others to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
- Closed Body Language: Defensive individuals often display closed-off body language, such as crossed arms or avoiding direct eye contact.
- Interrupting or Talking Over Others: In a defensive state, individuals may interrupt or talk over others to maintain control over the conversation.
Consequences of a Defensive Attitude
- Stagnant Personal Growth: A defensive attitude can hinder personal growth by closing us off to feedback and learning opportunities.
- Strained Relationships: Constant defensiveness can strain relationships and lower team morale, leading to communication breakdowns and misunderstandings.
- Missed Opportunities: Being defensive may prevent us from seeing opportunities for improvement or change.
Benefits of Overcoming Defensiveness
- Improved Communication: Overcoming defensiveness allows for more open and honest communication, fostering healthier relationships.
- Personal Growth: Embracing feedback and constructive criticism provides opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.
- Conflict Resolution: Letting go of defensiveness can lead to more effective conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Best Practices to Overcome Defensiveness
- Practice Active Listening: Be present and listen to others without interrupting. Show empathy and seek to understand their perspective.
- Pause and Reflect: When feeling defensive, take a moment to pause and reflect on your emotions before responding.
- Be Open to Feedback. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning, but separate it from your self-worth.
- Observe Your Body Language: Pay attention to your body language and adopt a more open and relaxed posture.
Examples of Non-Defensive Responses
- Defensive Response: “I didn’t make a mistake; it was someone else’s fault!” Non-Defensive Response: “I appreciate your feedback. Let me look into the issue and see how I can improve.”
- Defensive Response: “You never understand me!” Non-Defensive Response: “I feel like we are having trouble communicating. Can we talk about what’s going on?”
- Defensive Response: “You’re always criticizing me!” Non-Defensive Response: “I value your input, and I want to understand how I can do better.”
Remember, overcoming a defensive attitude is a journey that requires self-awareness and a willingness to change.
Fostering a more open and receptive mindset can help you build healthier relationships, embrace personal growth, and create a more positive and constructive environment for yourself and others.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
