Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the term “flow” to describe the experience of being in the zone when you are carried by an invisible force and performance is unexplainably at it’s peak – enjoyment too. FM, baby. Today, during practice 71, Joy described a challenge she recently received from her teammate, Jimmy. Jimmy had observed her work, noticed a nuance, and cared enough to take the time to help his teammate. He asked her a question and then he gave her some feedback. Joy wasn’t over joyed to hear she could have done better. However, she took it in anyway. She heard him out. She learned something she had been missing. She decided to transform her learning into a new PA. She got better. She is such a Joy…
According to Mihaly, the second essential for entering flow, is feedback. The best is from the work itself. The next best is from a teammate like Jimmy. Here’s the magic, however. Feedback is only flow inducing if it’s “in the moment.” Feedback on your annual review, not so much. Feedback you get when someone is so fed up they gotta get it off their chest – no, not helpful. Feedback, if it’s to lead to flow, has got to be darn near immediate. So, if you want more joy in your work – dig. Dig for feedback. STOP waiting for it to come to you. Go get the real breakfast of champions. Get yourself a bowl of Wheaties, so to speak.
Feedback is the real breakfast of champions, huh, Joy. Thanks, Jimmy for seeing your teammate as someone worth helping with the gift of your timely perspective. Thanks for challenging her from your belief. More, please. Joy, thanks for letting it in. Thanks for helping Frankee see someone modeling what he wants. Thanks, Joy and Jimmy.
When you, reader, observe a teammate at work and you see something that could be better, remember Jimmy’s example. In the moment, love your teammate enough to offer them something they can use – offer them the breakfast of champions, my friend. Give feedback.
And, get some for yourself. Ask your Jimmy to “tell you more.” Don’t shoot him an email or text. Face your fears and go get some. Dig. You do want to get better, don’t you? I mean, come on man, you know you could put yourself in the zone. All it takes is a little help with your friends. Why you letting a little fear between you and a friend, anyway…
Feedback. You gotta give and get some…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Thanks for another reminder of HOW we practice and WHY we practice. Leaders are Believers, and Believers are Receivers, and Receivers are Givers, and Givers are.Builders, and Builders are Leaders, Kinda simple, not so easy. Practice, practice, practice…