Encouragement isn’t always simple positivity.
“True encouragement consists not so much of burbling as of detailed attention.”
Stephen Sondheim, in a letter to Adam Guettel
I personally struggle to five encouragement that isn’t simple positivity. I desperately want my students and mentees to keep going – to build on what they’ve done and grow and improve. But, when an initial level of trust has been built, it’s probably best to give my attention and clear insights, rather than couch all feedback in positivity.
There is room for positivity – indeed, it is necessary – but there is room for receivable feedback without it.