The next generation is often labeled as one that expects things instantly, whether it’s a promotion or an email response. And why shouldn’t we? After all, we’ve come of age in a world of drive-thrus and microwaves. But sometimes, even the most ambitious and eager of us out there can miss out on some important dialog when we don’t throw our good ideas out on the middle of the table to see what others think of them.
I was reminded of this very idea yesterday while watching the Tennessee Titans host the Houston Texans in a football game. My dad luckily had a pretty nice hookup and had scored us entry into a luxury box, full of food, drink and TVs. Amenities like this make you forget a game is being played nearby.
As I listened to the team introductions, I wondered what it must feel like to have your name announced over a loudspeaker and then have over 50,000 people scream and chant your name. I imagine this won’t be something I’ll have the chance to experience, given my (very) limited athletic ability.
All the same, any professional or collegiate sporting event is a lesson in instant feedback. Thousands of fans cheer or jeer a bad play, a bad call or a bad game. Everyone from the starting linebacker to the referee to the mascot is watched and scrutinized and in a matter of seconds, those watching let the performer know just what they thought of his or her attempt. Score a touchdown and everyone lets you know they are pleased. Miss a pass or fumble the snap and again, everyone lets you know their disappointment.
And, while I’d love the instant gratification of having strangers yell my name in adoration, I’m also thankful that I don’t work or live in the same environment. I’m glad Stephen doesn’t call me names when I suggest a promotional idea for CoolPeopleCare. I’m glad my wife doesn’t boo me out of the house when I forget to pick up my socks. Even if I were always on my game and got more supporting yells than demeaning screams, the world of instant feedback would be a tough one to live in.
But, feedback is necessary to make sure our good ideas rise to the top. If our YP group has a wonderful proposal for a way the city can better retain young talent, we’ve got to get it out there to the groups of people that can help make it happen. If we know a way that a local company can boost their bottom line by providing for a better life/work balance, we have to be willing to let our idea be met by the sternest of critiques.
Sometimes, we will receive instant feedback, both positive and negative. And hopefully, unlike a football field, this feedback can lead to a dialog. And when both sides start talking, progress is made, and that’s the name of the game after all.
If you want something quickly, be willing to put your brainstorms and ideas out there for everyone to see. Sure, it’s nerve-wracking, but it’s how we’re able to know which of our ideas and dreams are worth working on. We all want instant gratification, but we can’t have it unless we’re willing to be open to instant feedback – both good and bad.