Performance Review

NN had her AP mock exam… so SW and I went over to shoot some hoops before picking up NN.  Last time… he went a little too far and trash talked a little too much.  This time, it was a lot friendlier.  We both won 1 game… could’ve played a third, rubber match.  But decided it to call it… and head over to 7-eleven to grab a slurpee.  It’s been a little rough since the mall incident and I wasn’t sure what we can talk about.  I decided to do a little “performance review” with him… asking him about his greatest strengths and biggest areas for improvement.  He must’ve been sensing the same tension because he answered without the usual sarcasm.  I was floored.  Then I went one step further… I asked him to rate me.  What are my great strengths and my areas of improvement.

Strengths: I’m well connected.  I can get things done.  I also have drive.  I will get things done. 

Areas of Improvement: be more modest.  Some times, I’m wrong… and I refuse to admit it. 

I thanked him for his honesty.  I think… as father and son… we’ve moved onto a new level of closeness.