As promised, we come back to the friendly territory of ExAwi for a critical conversation about ability, the illusive A of EXAWi. First, a brief revisit of this strange sounding acronym. E stands for education, which in one form or another is abundantly available to us all. We just need to lift one or more fingers to access it. The X represents experience which like Education is there for the taking as long as we recognize the bull and its horns.
A, ability is the topic of this Scratch, so we skip to Wi, willingness which remains fleeting and dependent on a host of quirky factors that somehow sporadically surface within all of us regardless of age or gender. Sometimes we have it and others it has us. A continuing plaguish mystery indeed.
That leaves the A of ExAWi, ability. Although tangible indeed, ability has a stealth nature that surfaces at odd times, under the spell of willingness which is usually instigated by someone other than ourselves. It is, by my definition, an intentional fusion of talent, skill and attitude. Ability is there to be discovered, nurtured and applied, and we all have it at something. We just need to be properly introduced to it.
So how do we get to know it within ourselves as well as others? In the award winning movie, Whiplash, about the perils of attending an elite collegiate Jazz program in New York City, Terrence Fletcher, played by JK Simmons, says the two worst words in the English language are, “Good Job” because they convey a false message about performance. His method of developing ability goes to fear, humiliation and intimidation. He is tyrannical, duplicitous, and disrespectful to his talented students, which does not bode well for them or him.
I take issue with his approach on many levels, and encourage all of us to be objective, kind and patient with the talent around us. That doesn’t mean we are lavish with false praise, and it does mean we take the time to be objective and impeccable with our words when we encourage, praise and teach. It also means that in addition to taking the time, we make it whenever the need for it arises.
Ability grows on the schedule of the gifted. That is why real teaching, coaching and learning is truly exhausting. Being married to a gifted master teacher for over 40 years, I have witnessed the toll it takes and the results in can produce.
So let’s modify Terrence Fletcher’s quote just a tad. The most important two words in the English language are a well thought out, “Good Job!”. That is what we all want and need to hear, especially when it is well deserved and delivered. As the wise ones, it is our calling to grow people who grow people. We can only do that with right e iculously and lovingly applied.
Until Next Time M
To view past scratch pads, or for more information about my services, please visit my website. mikethompsonmanagement.com