“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”– Ken Blanchard
All therapists have a therapist. They need assistance and guidance as much as their clients.
And all coaches—responsible ones, at least—have a coach, because they need input on occasion, too.
In speaking to my coach this week, he commented on something I had said using a word to describe the standards to which I hold myself that caught me up short.
It wasn’t a criticism, it wasn’t harsh, just unexpected. A bit like a gentle slap, and one I found helpful: “Thanks, I needed that,” I told him.
This is why I continue to talk with him weekly—and have done so for many years—for moments where my perspective is altered, expanded, deepened.
Moments of improvement.
Most folks are so busy these days, trying to juggle a dozen things at once under extraordinary circumstances and under tremendous pressure to perform, that taking time to get an outside perspective is often seen as unnecessary, a waste of time, or a sign of weakness.
But it is not.
Seeking input is critical to improving performance whether you’re a top tennis player or a team leader or a stay-at-home parent.
Early in my career I feared feedback. Now, I feed on it.
Truth doesn’t need to be long-winded.
One word.
That’s all it was, his feedback to me—one word.
One word that altered my take on my expectations of self.
I have already experienced the results produced by that altered perspective.
And I am fortunate to have a few very good friends who, through their continued commitment to their own growth, provide valuable insights on a regular basis.
I leave you today with this notion from one of them.
Three words: “Observe, don’t absorb,” she remarked to me this week.
It occurs to me that in a world where people go on and on in Zoom meetings, repeat themselves or others, make inane comments in a vain attempt to add value, that we could all use a bit more succinctness.
It doesn’t take a whole lot of words to offer a whole lot of value.
“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.”– Buddha
