The extra edge
Feedback gives us the insight we need to take performance to a higher level. You see, some of our behavior is naturally followed by consequences we can use to better ourselves. When we hammer a nail, type a word, shoot a basketball, or organize our work area, we observe natural consequences that give us feedback about how we did. But even in these situations an observer could give us specific advice that helps us get from a "9" to a "10" on that rating scale. We might put the basketball in the hoop or hit the nail on the head, but a careful and knowledgeable observer can tell us about our form in a way that improves our accuracy or reduces the probability of a cumulative trauma disorder like carpal tunnel syndrome. But again, we’ll only get this precise and invaluable feedback if we invite others to observe us, and then show genuine interest in hearing what they have to say.
So many everyday behaviors go unaccounted for; nothing is said about them, yet they add up. Ultimately, they contribute to safety records, or just how we perceive someone. Reflect for a moment on how simple behaviors- a limp "fish" or crushing "Superman" handshake -influence our positive or negative perception of people. Yet if we never learn what they really think, we go on repeating potentially detrimental behavior.