(If you want to hear Lori read the story click) here

 

 

I went to a half day training last week called Appreciative Inquiry. The presenter began with a story about twenty sports teams. All were videotaped to improve their skills. The first ten were given the chance to see their worst plays, so that the coach could correct mistakes and give better strategies. The second set were shown clips of themselves at their best, to reinforce those moves. 

 

It should not surprise me. Deep in the rational compartment of my brain I know that celebrating the good is a jillion times more effective than reprimanding the bad. Unfortunately I am a slow learner and continue to point out bloopers on a regular basis to my own Home Team Odhner. 

 

Just the other day a woman came over who needed counseling and I had opinions about how John was handling it. I glossed over all the empathetic things he was doing and obsessed about the mistakes I saw, practicing how I would bring this to his attention. This was for his own good of course. Oops.

 

I know I am just an overgrown Labrador Retriever when it comes to feedback. Pat me on the head for my slobbery efforts and I thump my tail.

 

Shake your finger at me and I whine in the corner.