There is a little know secret, that, if used correctly, can transform a person’s life in less than 4-seconds. Consider the following true story.
In 1968, our high school football team played Calaveras High, located in the mountain town of San Andreas, CA. The school boasted some big guys, and a championship record to boot.
At the time, I was a fairly underweight, 120-pound defensive end. Mr. Turner was our coach.
Calaveras decided to run a sweep around my end. A husky half-back was coming right at me, full speed. Unfortunately I got in the way.
Our head-on collision nearly killed me. We both just laid there a couple of seconds.
Magic in a moment
Then something magical happened. From across the field, in front of God and the grandstands, Mr. Turner cups his hands and screams out, “Tillison, best defensive end in the league!”
At that moment, Turner could walk on water. I reveled in the moment. What an incredibly, unvarnished statement of recognition. I stood up a man. A different person.
That fleeting display of positive reinforcement happened more than 50 years ago, yet it remains with me to this day.
Recognition: There’s no higher ROI
Now think of that for a moment. The time and energy expended by Turner…about 4 seconds. The length of its effectiveness, 50 years, and counting.
Here’s the subtle but powerful take-home point: A pat on the back, a scribbled note of thanks, a smile and a thumbs up, all take practically zero time and energy. Yet it’s astounding how seldom sincere appreciation, in whatever form, is dished out. This is exactly what makes the process so powerful. Nobody does it!
Our recommendation? Do it.
Find someone to recognize. Invest a full 4-seconds in an unvarnished, no-nonsense, all-out, “call-out.” Be bold and generous in your praise. But be prepared. That 4-seconds, you invest, can very well transform a life, and this “call-out” will be burned into the person’s psyche for at least a year…or maybe even, 50!
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Have you experience similar recognition magic in your life? Please comment! Want to see more true stories to help you grow, personally and professionally? Chech out our Articles page.