Click here for the video. It was only the second day of the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare’s 98th meeting in Franklin, TN and already Dustin Keller and Scott Ridgeway were all smiles. It was only during post production that I realized that I heard Scott say “an outstanding job” more than once. Then as I thought about how well the conference was organized and conducted –  it was clear that everyone connected with this year’s meeting performed outstandingly. Sometimes we use words like “outstanding”, “excellent” and “perfect” too much thereby rendering those words almost meaningless. But this was a great conference. Imagine Dustin and Scott going around and cheering the conference staff and volunteers on they performed there duties. “Hey, you’re doing an outstanding job!”  Smiles and gratitude are infectious. As I was working on how to end this video, I became aware for the first time that I said, “You’re doing an outstanding job” at the end. (I really do not remember saying that but I do remember feeling good while I was conducting that interview).  I played the segment back again and sure enough it was my voice. Wow. So Scott Ridgeway set me up with his big smile and  “outstanding jobs”. Watch at the very end right before the logo, he has a mischievous look like he is thinking, ” Ha! It worked!”  I’m on to Ridgeway. Next year I’ll be on guard.  But, you know, perhaps that is one phrase that can’t be over used. Next time when the moment arises, tell someone that they are doing “an outstanding job”. Then remember how good you felt saying it.