Sometimes you need to have a visual image for advice to stick with you. Such was the case for Travis Kelce when his football coach at the University of Cincinnati told him: “Everybody you meet in this world is either a fountain or a drain.”
It was clear that Kelce was the latter — and the advice was powerful enough to become the necessary motivation to change his performance. Three Super Bowls later, the advice has stuck.
Having a picture in mind helps to embed the lesson and serves as a visual reminder going forward. So, the next time you need to provide feedback or feel compelled to give advice, work hard to frame your wisdom in the form of an analogy. In other words, give your feedback like a peace lily instead of a cactus.
