Things I wish I had taught my son... And still can #98: start, stop and keep doing

Start, stop and keep on doing...

About 12 years ago, I learned a helpful technique that can be used to improve friendships, romantic relationships, work environments, business practices, and accountability in clubs and organizations. This three sentence exercise can be used anywhere a person expects some type of positive behavior from the other member or members of a group and vice versa. When consulting, I have used this potent little communication device to work the kinks out of a stagnant team.

The three simple little sentences that had the power to transform the group were the following:

I want you to start ___________.

I want you to stop ____________.

I want you to keep on __________.

Yes... It's that simple.

About 10 years ago in a little company retreat, the members of the particular meeting were all filling in the blanks. I was the recipient of their suggestions. I was the one who would be doing the starting, stopping and keeping on. I distinctly remember somebody from the office stating that I buried myself in my work and my computer and that I should start walking around, getting to know the people who work with/for me. Another person said I had a built-in, "you-look-like-you're-angry" frown on my face. They suggested I stop looking so intense and smile more often. In the keep on doing department, a suggestion came up that I keep on teaching the newbies at our office the particular brand of marketing that I believed in. Everybody in the group of six or seven all gave me a start, stop and keep on doing suggestion. I had plenty of feedback to work with.

This type of forum allows for constructive criticism and it often yields some easy-to-implement suggestions. Perhaps, one day you may find yourself in a leadership role needing a method for giving acknowledgement, inspiration and constructive correction. You may find yourself trying to improve a sports team where the same mistakes keep recurring and where talent is not being exploited correctly. You may just be talking with your girlfriend and want to find a way to improve your communication and expectations.

Just start, stop and keep on doing.

Keep on making me proud,

Your papi

Submitted By Jesus Ramirez
thingsiwishihadtaughtmyson.com