^Just got on a new "one-minute-manager" kick - and wondered
where else people use it (the compliment / criticize /
compliment sandwhich) Found out that, it is an extremely common
technique used in Youth Sports, from football to martial arts.
"That was great how you ran right to the ball" (compliment) "but
you bring your left arm in just before you can catch the ball,
and you drop it every time. did you ever notice how you do
that?" (wait for genuine agreement - if you don't get it, you
mimic the incorrect motion until there's genuine agreement) "but
i really love your intensity - you keep your eyes on the ball
the whole time - keep it up!" (compliment) "Want me to show you
another way to do it?" (waits for agreement) (shows how). There
you see a complement sandwhich - and then the Coaching takes
place. When a coach just shoots straight to the criticism, some
players mentally shut down and only pretend to go along with the
Coaching that follows, but because the Coaching is mentally
associated with a negative thing (Criticism alone) - the lesson
doesn't sink in as quickly. If the coach does a Complement
sandwhich (complement, criticism, complement) then coaching -
the player stays in a positive, enthusiastic mood, more apt to
learn. Man, I was told years ago I should be a "coach's coach" a
"teacher's teacher" back in my mid 20's - maybe THAT'S what I
should write about. I'm not a leader - can't lead groups - but i
wouldn't mind being the 'Meta-Teacher - teacher's teacher".
"Those who cannot do, teach"...^
