What does this tell us about Sherlock Holmes' character?

Holmes praise of Watson illustrates his willingness to listen, and his desire to garner other opinions. A few sentences later, we see also see Holmes' frankness in the way he debunks Watson's theory.

“I am afraid, my dear Watson, that most of your conclusions were erroneous. When I said that you stimulated me I meant, to be frank, that in noting your fallacies I was occasionally guided towards the truth. Not that you are entirely wrong in this instance. The man is certainly a country practitioner. And he walks a good deal.”