Look for progress

As I get older, I look less for perfection and far more for progress. In fact, I think we sometimes judge situations based on what would be perfect because that's easy—either it is or isn't perfect. It's more difficult to look for progress and appreciate it.

If an employee falls a little short but handled a situation better than in the past, you have two choices: condemn them or applaud them. If you condemn, you may lose an opportunity for future success. If you view it as a sign that the person handled it differently (better), and that it means in the future, they will more likely succeed, at least you know they will be listening to you and just maybe they will do better next time.

Perfection is unattainable; progress is within the grasp of anyone.

Barry LaBov
LABOV Marketing Communications and Training
www.labov.com