Iron Sharpens Iron: Growth Requires Friction

Lessons from the Wall – Part 7: Inner Mindset

Growth Isn’t Always Comfortable

This one has deep roots. It’s ancient wisdom that still holds up in the workplace, the job site, and in life:

“Iron sharpens iron. So one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

We love the idea of personal growth, until it comes through challenge. Real sharpening happens in tension. In feedback. In friction. That’s where edges are refined.

And it takes two willing participants: someone bold enough to speak truth, and someone humble enough to receive it.

Why This Matters in Business

At Township Design, I’ve been sharpened by clients, contractors, team members, and mentors. Sometimes those conversations were easy. Most of the time? Not at all.

• A builder pushing back on a detail I overlooked
• A team member is challenging a process I created
• A collaborator asking for more clarity, earlier in the project

None of those moments felt “comfortable.” But they were necessary. Because without them, I’d still be making the same assumptions, the same missteps, the same excuses.

That’s the value of genuine partnership. You don’t grow by being left alone; you grow by being called higher.

A Culture of Sharpening

If you're building a business, a team, or even just a project, it’s worth asking: Am I creating a culture where sharpening is safe?

That means:

• Inviting feedback early and often
• Modeling humility at the top
• Making room for disagreement without defensiveness
• Giving feedback with the goal of building, not breaking

It’s not always easy to hear the truth. But a dull blade doesn’t do anyone any favors.

Ask Yourself:

• When was the last time someone challenged me, and I thanked them for it?
• Do I see friction as an attack or as an opportunity to sharpen my skills?
• What would improve if I made feedback part of the culture, not just the crisis?

Sharpening doesn’t happen by accident.
If you want to grow, you’ve got to welcome the kind of people who won’t let you stay dull.