I came across the video below during a leadership training course. At first there might not seem to be an obvious connection between writing and leadership…but stick with me 🙂
The Ted Talk reminds us how important positive feedback is. All too often in life we focus on what is wrong. How often is it that bad service prompts you to complain? And how often after good service do you take the time to tell the company or individual? All too often it is the complaint that drives us to action, and all too often we fail to praise what is good.
Most of us will be quick to point out that we offer good feedback sometimes, but do we offer it often enough?
Feedback on Writing
Writing a review is such a simple and easy way to show the writer that you enjoyed their work. Sure you can drop a star rating on a book in amazon, and that’s great, but there is nothing quite as magical as someone’s words—their words—of praise.
Feedback on blogging about writing
I have lost track of the number of fantastic blog posts I have read about writing, sure I read books, but an amazing array of little gems comes from the blogging community too. Often these ideas and insights don’t manifest change or impact immediately, or perhaps the magnitude of the change or impact is only realised later down the track. In the video the recipient took four years before they thanked the person who changed the course of their life.
Nobody understands how hard writing is as well as another writer. Nobody understands the dedication, commitment, and sheer endurance you need to even finish a book, let alone publish it, as well as another writer. And no one understands how much time we give willingly to studying the craft as well as another writer.
If you are a writer, whatever your skill level, you have a voice and knowledge to share so please keep sharing it. You may never know how powerful your words are, or the impact they may have, but be reassured they are. And if you enjoy a book or blog post then let’s let the author know.
I would like to close by thanking everyone who has taken the time to comment on my posts. I cherish each and every one of them.
I hope you enjoy the video 🙂
Reblogged this on Shirley McLain and commented:
I loved this blog with this great video on leaders. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Shirley
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Thanks for the share 🙂
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I agree. It’s important to get feedback. In art school, we called it a constructive critique.
I think the hard part is knowing how to write a review that benefits both the writer and the reader at the same time. Obviously, it is about respecting both members of the “reading audience”, but also about a desire to enjoy the written work, and somehow start the conversation.
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Great points, thank you for sharing. And constructive critique is a far more elegant term than feedback 🙂
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Thank you for an opportunity to laugh as I send my husband off for the funeral of his 28 year grandgirl who died in an accident on Valentine’s Day. I will be cruising the links to TED Talks for more writing material for my 12 days Saga Series on Laughter on my blog at .www.Wyswoods.Wordpress.com
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So glad it gave you a little joy in what must be a very sad time.
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A good post with some excellent points. I think that in this age, with Social Media, feedback can be as simple as a like on Facebook or Twitter. I still get excited when someone has taken the time to read and comment on a blogpost. It gives some value to the time and effort you have taken. Thanks also for the video.
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😉
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
A great post. Make sure that you check out the TED talk video at the end.
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Thanks for sharing Don 🙂
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My mother’s favorite rule – “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Unfortunately, too many times we opt to stay silent even if we do have positive feedback to offer. As writers we have to develop a thick skin if we are to persevere. Criticism is easy to come by, but words of praise? Not so much. Thanks for a great post!
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Thank you 🙂
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Nice post (and Ted Talks are my favorite)! I think it’s so easy to feel lost in a sea of writers from all skill levels that it’s great to read a post that encourages writers to support others.
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Thank you Janette, and great points you make. It is so easy to get lost, but you never know what little gem of an idea or that note of feedback at just the right time that can make all the difference.
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog and commented:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the wonderful video. I hope my viewers enjoy it as much as I did.
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Thanks for the share 🙂
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I love TED videos! They make me feel so inspired, hopeful, and connected to people I don’t even know. This guy was so funny and he proves your point well. I absolutely agree we need to suppor and share with other writers how we got to where we are and we need to help each out. Thank you so much for sharing!
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Reblogged this on mandibelle16 and commented:
Wonderful blog! Help other writers out and be thankful to the people who helped you out and go you to where you are. Be leaders!
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Thank you for the share, much appreciate. And thank you for your kind words 🙂
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Wow, This is incredibly awesome! Mr. Dudley is quite funny though such an incredible story of Impact and Influence. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Thank you, it is a great video and such great message 🙂
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I totally agree with you Georgina, by the way you have a beautiful blog. I am already following 😉
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Reblogged this on The king'soracle. and commented:
This piece touched me in a significant way, and I just wanted to share it with you all, It’s not just about writers alone but about every creative art expression. I hope you are able to glean something from here. By the way the Dudley guy in the TEDtalk is super funny. Check it out 😉
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Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thank you for sharing so people like me can it as well, I believe that’s part of writers helping other writers right? 😀
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certainly is 🙂
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Wonderful post! I enjoyed the Ted talk. It’s the first one I’ve seen. 😃
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Glad you enjoyed it, and yes great video 🙂
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I have found the writing community to be so very gracious and supportive! Thank you for continuing the love and encouraging people to try to find their voice and articulate it 🙂 Lots of love in the Blogosphere today!
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Georgina, you do a fantastic job of inspiring other writers and giving useful advice on your blog. Thank you.
Every two weeks my critique group meets. After spending the rest of the week finding what’s wrong with my own work so I can make it better, it would be easy to concentrate only on finding the problems with my friends’ work. But praise for what works is even more important.
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Thank you! And agree, constructive criticism is the only way learn, but a little praise goes a long way 🙂
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Reblogged this on Flynn Gray and commented:
A great article on supporting other writers by providing feedback, which includes an inspiring Ted Talk video on the importance of positive feedback. ~ Flynn
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Thanks for the reblog 🙂
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Reblogged this on Denise Covey – Romance Writer and commented:
A very thoughtful post on helping each other in our writing.
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Thanks for the share 🙂 much appreciated.
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Keep up the good work, Georgina! Great post!
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Thank you! 🙂
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