I'm glad you are bringing this dynamic into conversation Rik. I treat the feedback pretty much as you describe, that a "like" is just a friend saying hi, and even some comments are like that. But when someone lets you know that the content was valuable, thoughtful, or provocative it means a lot more and indicates that you're barking up the right tree so to speak. I honestly feel that the "like" feature on most platforms should go away. Commenting is always where the value is, if there is value to be exchanging with respect to writing online. I find your ways of thinking, and how you do you it out loud, consistently useful and engaging.
Very helpful insight about how to distinguish affirmation from cheerleading. I can see myself applying this in writing and my workplace.
I think cheerleading (or "to gas" as the younger generations call it) serves its purposes in some contexts. But done too frequently, it loses its effect and one might become dependent on this type of frivolous positive reinforcement
Clicked "like" and I really, really mean it! You did a great job of refining since my last read. This highlights such an important issue in online life (wait...maybe in all of life) in general: do people really mean what they say? This was a helpful way of thinking about how to contribute to a friend's journey.
I gave you a like, but not just any like. You make a great point.
I do throw likes around - likes are "I see you". And you used one of my magnet phrases "signal to noise".
When I evaluate the impact of one of my posts, I lean into Ann Handley's stat OWBR - Open to Write Back. Did someone feel impacted enough to take the extra second to open the newsletter and write a comment back. Hopefully one that has the affirming language you mention. So that is what I try and do to show my engagement.
FYI, in my travels, I find that 95% of the population are too shy to let the algorithms pick up on their likes. Esp on LinkedIn. I get more cocktail and dinner in-person reactions to my essays and posts, than hearts and thumbnails on the platforms. So you impact might be actually greater than you know.
Rik - have you heard the story that Stephen Rollnick tells about how affirmations came to be a major part of Motivational Interviewing? It’s a beautifully inspirational tale about humanity and kindness. Ever since I learned about affirmations I’ve avoided praise like the plague. The training I’ve done with Rollnick is fascinating in that he’s finding use for affirmations in sports and education - in fact in all walks of life.
I'm glad you are bringing this dynamic into conversation Rik. I treat the feedback pretty much as you describe, that a "like" is just a friend saying hi, and even some comments are like that. But when someone lets you know that the content was valuable, thoughtful, or provocative it means a lot more and indicates that you're barking up the right tree so to speak. I honestly feel that the "like" feature on most platforms should go away. Commenting is always where the value is, if there is value to be exchanging with respect to writing online. I find your ways of thinking, and how you do you it out loud, consistently useful and engaging.
The way you differentiate cheerleading from affirming demonstrates your discernment as a coach :,)
This reminds me of a phrase I recently heard--“toxic positivity.” Perhaps something I’ll write about in a future essay
Very helpful insight about how to distinguish affirmation from cheerleading. I can see myself applying this in writing and my workplace.
I think cheerleading (or "to gas" as the younger generations call it) serves its purposes in some contexts. But done too frequently, it loses its effect and one might become dependent on this type of frivolous positive reinforcement
Clicked "like" and I really, really mean it! You did a great job of refining since my last read. This highlights such an important issue in online life (wait...maybe in all of life) in general: do people really mean what they say? This was a helpful way of thinking about how to contribute to a friend's journey.
I gave you a like, but not just any like. You make a great point.
I do throw likes around - likes are "I see you". And you used one of my magnet phrases "signal to noise".
When I evaluate the impact of one of my posts, I lean into Ann Handley's stat OWBR - Open to Write Back. Did someone feel impacted enough to take the extra second to open the newsletter and write a comment back. Hopefully one that has the affirming language you mention. So that is what I try and do to show my engagement.
FYI, in my travels, I find that 95% of the population are too shy to let the algorithms pick up on their likes. Esp on LinkedIn. I get more cocktail and dinner in-person reactions to my essays and posts, than hearts and thumbnails on the platforms. So you impact might be actually greater than you know.
Keep on, Rik!
Rik - have you heard the story that Stephen Rollnick tells about how affirmations came to be a major part of Motivational Interviewing? It’s a beautifully inspirational tale about humanity and kindness. Ever since I learned about affirmations I’ve avoided praise like the plague. The training I’ve done with Rollnick is fascinating in that he’s finding use for affirmations in sports and education - in fact in all walks of life.