Approach Quote by Benjamin Zander
“As leaders, we're giving out grades in every encounter we have with people. We can choose to give out grades as an expectation to live up to, and then we can reassess them according to performance. Or we can offer grades as a possibility to live into. The second approach is much more powerful.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: TED Talk “The Transformative Power of Classical Music”, 2008
Leaders can frame feedback as either a fixed expectation or an evolving possibility, influencing motivation and growth.
In simple terms: Feedback can be a static rating or a dynamic chance to improve.
Key Takeaway
Use feedback as a growth opportunity, not a fixed judgment.
Themes
leadership
feedback
motivation
growth
mindset
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- performance reviews
- coaching sessions
- educational settings
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology
performance management
expectancy theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you shift from judging to encouraging?
- What systems support ongoing reassessment?
A Different Perspective
If grades become rigid expectations, they may stifle creativity and risk‑taking.
![“My job [is] to awaken possibility in other people. If their eyes are shining, you know you're doing it. If they're not shining you get to ask this question: "Who am I being that my children's eyes are not shining?"” quote by Benjamin Zander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/30e/benjamin-zander-20848_asks_my-job-is-to-awaken-possibility-in-other_1185645.jpg)
