Thursday, November 4, 2021

Resist the Need for External Validation Plus a Pair of SLOBs

In his MasterClass, Samuel L. Jackson shares that he has a feeling for whether a scene worked. He doesn't go to the director and ask, "how was that?" He adds that if the director doesn't give you notes, it doesn't mean he's ignoring you. He doesn't have any suggestions or corrections. That works for him. 

Here are a diversity of thoughts:

Critical feedback matters. Thomas Keller explained how he learned what counted as a dishwasher in his mother's restaurant - organization, efficiency, critical feedback repetition, rituals, and teamwork. If he didn't load the dishwasher properly, he got immediate feedback with unclean dishes. Poor transition defense shows up quickly on the scoreboard. 

Take all the notes in. Shonda Rhimes explains that if your reviewer doesn't think the script moves lightning fast, then it's not moving lightning fast. 


Steve Martin says when you think, "It's done and it's so good"...

"The main thing is the main thing." - David Cottrell in Monday Morning Leadership  The ensemble may not have clarity on the main thing. Let them know. Every organization needs clarity on Commander's Intent.

"Thanks is the cheapest form of compensation." - Robert Townsend in Up the Organization   "Water the flowers." Praise the praiseworthy. The stars get their due. Be a credit sharer and take care of the ensemble. Dean Smith was the master.

Use "performance-focused, feedback rich" coaching to seek "sustainable competitive advantage." - Thomas Crane in The Heart of Coaching

Coach Ellis "Sonny" Lane reminded us, "If I'm not yelling at you, then I don't think I can help. I've given up on you." Great players want coaching. 

"Seek understanding not validation." I was asked to coach a group and then their previous coach decided to coach them again. He (Ted Cottrell) is an exceptional coach who played for Coach Cal at UMASS. He is the best basketball coach in our small city. Of course, I defer to his decision and his staff. 

Lagniappe: Here are a couple of SLOBs I like, maybe B+ material. 


Having a player capable of making the pass is critical. 


How about a high ball screen with options?