My column on Oct. 21 caused quite a stir. If you didn't read it, you should prior to reading this one (Editor's note: Click here to read it). I received a lot of very pointed feedback from numerous readers. As I often say when I reply to emails, I will always respond to readers who take the time to reach out to me, regardless of what they say. The vast majority of the time, the emails I receive are positive. Occasionally, I receive comments from someone who doesn't agree with me. And that's OK. But last week was a little different.

I have been called a lot of things in my life. But I was called a few things that I have never been called before after my column was published last Sunday. I was called a bully. I was called self-righteous. I was told to pick on someone my own size. I was told to give Jeremy a break. I was told I was too hard on him.

I have a rule I follow. If I hear feedback from one or two people, I don't usually make changes based on a few opinions. However, if I hear the same feedback from a large number of people, I consider that a time to take a step back and seriously consider the feedback I am hearing. Unfortunately for those who disagreed with me last week, the positive comments and negative comments were about the same. So I don't think I was that far off with the feedback I provided Jeremy.

And it wasn't all negative. While most people felt sorry for Jeremy, Richard Arcand made a good suggestion. He asked me to remind people who have challenges with public speaking that Toastmasters is a great way to help get through those fears. New Hampshire is in District 45, so those who are interested in joining can visit www.toastmasters45.com. Thank you for the suggestion Mr. Arcand.

I don't feel the need to apologize for the feedback I gave Jeremy. And I also don't feel the need to apologize for what some consider being “too harsh.”

Throughout my career, I have learned the most from mentors, managers and leaders who have given me feedback in a blunt and candid way. They didn't sugar coat things. They told me what was wrong and made me recognize an issue immediately. And I believe this is the most effective way to help people grow and get better at what they do.

And here's the reality. If people don't receive appropriate feedback, they will continue to struggle and fail in areas where they need to improve. If you're not good at something or you need to change something to become better, you need to know about it. How can people grow and get better without hearing someone else's perspective? And who cares about hurting feelings? We're not children, we're adults. It's not a personal attack. As I look back on the direct feedback and coaching I have received in my career, I don't think of the people who helped me as bullies or self-righteous. I look at them as mentors and people who were critical in helping influence my professional development and success. And for that, I am grateful.

Christopher Thompson (cthompson@catch22solutions.com) writes Closing the Deal weekly for the Sunday News.