One of the best things about improvement is the delight that we feel when someone else acknowledges it.
Particularly someone whose opinion we respect.
We feel a warm glow of pride when they notice the difference and take the time to say “Well done!”
We need this affirmative feedback to fuel our improvement engine.
And we need to learn how to give ourselves affirmative feedback because usually there is a LOT of improvement work to do behind the scenes before any externally visible improvement appears.
It is like an iceberg – most of it is hidden from view.
And improvement is tough. We have to wade through Bureaucracy Treacle that is laced with Cynicide and policed by Skeptics. We know this.
So we need to learn to celebrate the milestones we achieve and to keep reminding ourselves of what we have already done. Even if no one else notices or cares.
Like the certificates, cups, and medals that we earned at school – still proudly displayed on our mantlepieces and shelves decades later. They are important. Especially to us.
So it is always a joy to celebrate the achievement of others and to say “Well Done” for reaching a significant milestone on the path of learning Improvement Science.
And that has been my great pleasure this week – to prepare and send the Certificates of Achievement to those who have recently completed the FISH course.
The best part of all has been to hear how many times the word “treasured” is used in the “Thank You” replies.
We display our Certificates with pride – not so much that others can see – more to remind ourselves every day to Celebrate Achievement.