Small Black Spot

By Calvert F Cazier, PhD, MPH | March 15, 2016

small-black-dot

 

Some time ago I heard a story of a well-respected economist who gave a speech to a group of business people. Her topic was, “How to keep your business profitable during a recession”. At the beginning of her presentation she showed a large poster with a small black spot on it. She asked a businessman on the front row what he saw and the man promptly replied, “A black spot.”

Then methodically she went around the room and asked the same question to all the attendees and received the same answer from each of them, “A black spot.” After getting everyone’s opinion and with a deliberate and careful emphasis on her words, she said, “Yes, there is a small black spot but I am surprised that no one said anything about all the white space on the poster. The white space represents business potential that you all overlooked.” With that, she concluded her talk and left.

As I thought about this, I wondered what we see in our children. Do we see the little black spot or all the white space? It makes a difference in their lives. Our perception of our child’s potential can impact the way our child views him or herself.

PLEASE write and share what you see in your children.


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Anne's Corner

By Anne Evans-Cazier, LCSW

This story reminds me of how important it is to notice and talk about all aspects of our children. There really was a black dot on the paper, and there really was a lot of white space. Our children will trust us more and be more likely to make changes when we use accurate language to realistically acknowledge both their challenges and their strengths. Try this: Be truthful and accurate Accept what cannot be changed Focus on all of the opportunities in those things that can be changed Now think about all of your child's small black dots and huge white spaces. How will you start to be more accurate?  How could this help them see and go after more opportunities?
Anne Evans-Cazier, LCSW
Posted in Self Worth

2 Comments

  1. test
    Aaron Haaga on March 30, 2016 at 11:07 pm

    Cal and Anne,

    I loved this short story. Very insightful. Thanks for sharing this.

    By the way, the emails are coming again.

    Aaron Haaga



    • test
      Calvert F. Cazier, PhD., MPH on March 31, 2016 at 1:31 am

      Thanks Aaron



Anne's Corner

By Anne Evans-Cazier, LCSW

This story reminds me of how important it is to notice and talk about all aspects of our children. There really was a black dot on the paper, and there really was a lot of white space. Our children will trust us more and be more likely to make changes when we use accurate language to realistically acknowledge both their challenges and their strengths. Try this: Be truthful and accurate Accept what cannot be changed Focus on all of the opportunities in those things that can be changed Now think about all of your child's small black dots and huge white spaces. How will you start to be more accurate?  How could this help them see and go after more opportunities?
Anne Evans-Cazier, LCSW