As a child, I played Pee-Wee baseball. I was a pitcher and was better than most in some of the infield positions. However, I was terrible at batting—I was the worst on the team, which led the coach to place me at the bottom of the batting order.
My issue was straightforward: I was afraid of the ball. When the pitch came, I would close my eyes, swing my bat, and hope for the best. Throughout the season, my older cousins and neighborhood kids offered to help. In the evenings, they would pitch to me in the backyard, and gradually, I overcame my fears. My progress slowly became evident during games, but in my mind—and the minds of my teammates—I was still the worst hitter on the team.
Before one particular game, our coach broke from his usual routine. He gathered us in the dugout and announced that he was changing the batting lineup. After reviewing our recent games, he realized that the data indicated that our best hitter had changed. He paused, looked at me, and said, "Lawrence, it’s you."
He handed me the bat.
I still remember the pitch and the sound of the bat connecting with the ball; there’s nothing sweeter. After scoring, I returned to the dugout feeling different, walking a little taller. Thanks to my coach, I had a different vision of who I was and who I could be.
In many ways, I am a reflection of others’ uplifting observations about me. Those who chose to validate me, who didn’t hold back on their encouragement.
I dislike the phrase “feedback is a gift” because it is often used as an excuse to hurt others. But if your feedback uplifts, acknowledges, and recognizes the best in others, then it truly is a gift.
This week, take a moment—several moments, in fact—to observe, recognize, and validate the greatness in others. Hand them the bat and watch them do amazing things.