#317: That Was Amazing

Sasha's thoughts here remind me of a time many years ago...

I sang "Not While I'm Around" for my voice jury (a panel of the vocal teachers for a final grade) my senior year. I had a sense I was doing well while it was happening, because it felt like my entire body aligned, and singing felt effortless and magical.

Afterward, one of the teachers who I hadn't studied with, and had given me only decent marks before, wrote glowing feedback and gave me the highest grade.

She told me, "You did magnificently today. Remember this feeling; save this for a rainy day, and remember that today you did a brilliant job. You're capable of great things." And I do remember it, because it was one of a couple times I remember receiving enthusiastic praise in university.

She only spoke those words once, but I think I've remembered them a thousand times.

- C

That Was Amazing

How often does this happen to me?

I'm in the middle of a sentence, or I'm part of the way through sharing an idea and a colleague interjects, barely letting me finish,

“That was absolutely amazing! Yes! Exactly that!”

“The way you described that was so clear and compelling. You totally persuaded me. That was you at your best!”

“Of all the things you’re working on, I really think that has to be your top priority. It will change everything!”

Well, actually, that hasn’t happened to me in a while. And that’s the problem.

Each of us is amazing, and has amazing ideas, and there are times each day, or at minimum each week, when I am at my absolute best and someone around me is there to witness it.

Same with you and your colleagues, I’d expect.

So why aren't I interrupted with unbridled enthusiasm more often? Why isn’t it obvious what thing done recently felt, to those around me, like me at my best?

“Feedback” often feels like a dirty word because it’s interpreted as code for “I’m about to share something that didn’t land quite right with me.”

Now, constructive feedback, delivered with generous intent, and focused on behaviors and impact, is essential.

AND energetic, over-the-top, ludicrous praise….it’s not only easy and fun to deliver with enthusiasm, it also promises to be attention-grabbing and unforgettable.

“That’s just fabulous. Please do more of that.”

It’s music to my ears.

The post That Was Amazing appeared first on Sasha Dichter's Blog.