“I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.”

– Charles M. Schwab, entrepreneur in the steel industry

Carrots or sticks?  Encouragement or criticism? It’s a choice we make daily at work and at home.

How do you feel when you are acknowledged and encouraged in your efforts? How do you feel when others judge, criticize, and demean your efforts?

Why is it that a fundamental human trait is to be right and to make others wrong? Just look at our political parties to see what can occur.

Exercise:

Put on a pair of imaginary “approval glasses”, and look at the people around you, and the world, to find out what is good and right.

Share this empowering perspective with others, and help them find their own “approval glasses” to wear.