Practice makes Perfect

In my last post, I wrote about how important it is to create an atmosphere of grace through speaking positive affirmations.  In addition to this secure atmosphere, we need to help new associates develop their skills in a safe setting.  This can be accomplished through role playing which allows them to practice presenting information in a non-threatening situation.  They will feel safe to practice, because there is no risk of failure. 

When I was 8 years old, I was forced to learn to play the violin.  Even by that tender age, I had already developed flesh patterns of perfectionism.  A perfectionist believes that people see them as perfect and that they are accepted by others only because of this perception.  So, the greatest fear of a perfectionist is failure, because it leads to rejection from those who once perceived them as perfect.  I locked in on this pattern of thinking.  Guess what?  The violin is impossible to play perfectly at first.  It sounds awful!  In six years of playing the violin, I maybe practiced at home for 30 minutes all totaled.  As a result, I never really played well.  In contrast, I also took piano lessons.  I liked the piano.  Pianos did not squeak.  So, I did not mind practicing, and I sometimes practiced for two hours a day.  After six years of piano lessons, I played pretty well, and I enjoyed it.  What was the difference?  The piano offered the possibility to play well quickly and with less risk of failure.  I also received many more positive affirmations for my piano playing than I ever did for my violin playing. 

In order to take risks, a person needs to believe that they are safe.  The use of role playing with a mentor who has proven to be accepting and gracious will enable new associates to practice communicating with a pretend prospect until they feel confident to present to a real prospect.  It is important to provide new associates with affirmations before gently offering constructive criticisms.  Remember these affirmations are deposits of grace which will pay dividends of growth because they earn you the right to offer constructive criticism.  When new associates experience your grace, they will not fear being rejected by you when they make a mistake.  The result is their growth and development as you help them move toward achieving their goals.  Also, they will repeat this model of grace and affirmation with their associates and your extended organization will flourish.  So, play it safe by using role playing to help your associates practice until they have perfected their invitation and presentation skills.