The Sandpaper Crucible
As a young leader, I’ve come face-to-face with an all-too-familiar foe: FOMU, or the Fear Of Messing Up. I can still vividly recall when I was first promoted to a supervisory position when, in my eagerness, my very first email to my new team began with “Goo morning” instead of “Good morning” (a cringe-worthy typo, to say the least). Even now, FOMU occasionally sneaks up on me when I’m about to share ideas for improvement. What if they deem it terrible? What if they laugh me out of the room? In this article, I’ll discuss the journey I fondly refer to as the “Sandpaper Crucible.” This metaphor captures the essence of presenting one’s visionary ideas to trusted leaders and subjecting them to constructive feedback, much like using sandpaper to smooth rough surfaces.
As we step into the realm of the Sandpaper Crucible, we eagerly share our innovative ideas with mentors and seasoned leaders. This crucial process involves subjecting our cherished concepts to thorough scrutiny and constructive criticism. As young leaders embark on this transformative journey, they must confront feedback that might be tough to hear, testing their ability to keep their egos in check. Initially, the feedback might feel like abrasive sandpaper, rubbing against the rough edges of our ideas, but we must recognize it as an essential step towards unearthing their true potential. To young leaders embarking on this transformative journey, I offer a word of encouragement — approach this path with humble professionalism rather than succumbing to FOMU. Embrace the growth opportunities and be receptive to refining your ideas, as it is through this process that they can truly shine.
How to Approach Leaders for Feedback
Approaching leaders for feedback on your innovative idea during the challenging phase of the “Sandpaper Crucible,” requires finesse and tact.
· Firstly, take the time to carefully select the right leaders to approach. Seek out individuals who possess the relevant expertise, experience, and a willingness to offer honest insights.
· Before initiating the conversation, do your research on their areas of interest and professional background to align your idea with their expertise.
· Respect their time by scheduling a dedicated meeting or finding an appropriate platform for sharing your concept.
As you approach leaders for feedback, adopt a humble and open-minded attitude. Acknowledge that you are seeking constructive criticism to refine and strengthen your idea, not validation. Emphasize that you value their expertise and insights, and you are genuinely interested in learning from their perspectives. Avoid being overly defensive or dismissive of their feedback; instead, actively listen and ask clarifying questions to gain a deeper understanding of their suggestions. Maintain a growth-oriented mindset and view feedback as an essential stepping stone towards improving your innovative idea. Remember, the “Sandpaper Crucible” is an opportunity for growth, and embracing feedback with humility will pave the way for your idea’s success.
The Mark of Growth: Not Taking Offense to Tough Feedback
During this phase, you may face the challenge of effectively managing your emotions. Feedback, even when well-intentioned, can inadvertently trigger defensive reactions, especially when we have poured our hearts and passion into an idea. Keeping our ego in check becomes crucial to maintaining an open mind and embracing the growth opportunities that feedback offers. I speak from personal experience when I say that this is easier said than done.
An approach that worked for me to keeping an open mind was to embrace humility and remember that the feedback, or “sandpaper,” is not directed at us. it is essential to recognize that constructive criticism is not an attack on our abilities or character. It is an objective evaluation of our ideas, highlighting areas that need improvement. When we learn to view feedback as an opportunity to learn and refine, rather than a personal judgment, it reflects our growth as leaders. By separating our emotions from the evaluation of our ideas, we can better grasp the constructive essence of the feedback and use it to refine and improve our concepts.
As we evolve as leaders, we begin to appreciate the significance of feedback as an indispensable tool for improvement. The desire to seek feedback, even when it may be tough to hear, is a clear indicator of growth. This craving arises from a genuine commitment to developing innovative solutions and making a meaningful impact. Craving feedback demonstrates a willingness to step outside our comfort zones and engage in continuous learning and self-improvement. It shows that we have transcended the need for validation and have embraced the pursuit of excellence.
Moreover, the Sandpaper Crucible fosters a culture of collaboration and growth within teams and organizations. When leaders welcome feedback with humility and grace, it sets a positive example for others to do the same. This culture of continuous improvement becomes a driving force for progress and innovation.
Note on Self-Awareness
At the age of sixteen, I vividly recall the time when my father patiently taught me how to drive a manual transmission. Amidst my struggles to prevent the vehicle from stalling (and my father yelling at me to “shift now! Shift now!”), my father also imparted a valuable piece of wisdom. He emphasized the importance of feeling the right moment to shift gears — knowing when to push the clutch and when to release the gas pedal. “It’s all about feel,” he said. Little did I know that this simple yet profound advice would resonate far beyond driving, offering valuable insights for navigating the challenges of the “Sandpaper Crucible” in the realm of innovative ideas.
Just like shifting gears while driving, understanding the timing of your idea becomes critical during the Sandpaper Crucible journey. It involves a delicate balance between knowing when to propel your idea forward and when to exercise patience, shelving it temporarily for a more opportune time. Rushing too soon can lead to missteps, while waiting too long might miss the right moment to seize the opportunity.
In this process, emotional intelligence plays a significant role. As you seek feedback from trusted leaders and mentors, be mindful of how you approach and engage with them. Recognize the value of their time and expertise, and be sensitive to the demands on their schedule. Strive for a balance between eagerness to improve and understanding their other commitments. Know when it is time to “push” and when it is time to “pull back.” Moreover, as you embark on this transformative journey, always remember to express gratitude. Thank the leaders and collaborators who contribute their time and insights to refining your idea. This display of appreciation fosters positive relationships, encouraging continued support and collaboration.
Conclusion: Embrace the Crucible, Embrace Growth
I have a trusted friend who is an exceptionally gifted college professor who staunchly advocates for the benefits of cold showers every morning. He believes that embracing the momentary discomfort of the freezing cold water can lead to positive health improvements as an end result. It’s certainly no easy feat, and it might even be a bit painful, leading some to question his sanity (including myself). While I might not be ready to plunge into cold showers just yet, I can appreciate the analogy he offers. The “Sandpaper Crucible” may initially appear daunting and painful at first, but if you are willing to embrace the journey, it holds valuable benefits and a worthwhile end result. As we share our innovative ideas with trusted mentors and embrace their feedback, we open ourselves up to growth and development as leaders.
The Sandpaper Crucible challenges us to keep our egos in check and perceive feedback as an opportunity to refine our ideas. Embracing constructive criticism with humility and grace is a hallmark of a mature leader who craves growth.
So, young leaders, I encourage you to welcome the Sandpaper Crucible with an open heart and a receptive mind. Allow it to smooth the rough edges of your innovative ideas, transforming them into polished and impactful solutions. As you navigate this transformative journey, you’ll emerge as a leader poised for greatness, armed with the strength to embrace growth and steer innovation towards a brighter future.
