Grading in real life

It's been a long time since I've been graded on anything. At least with a letter or number grade.

I remember back in college being excited about getting a test or a paper back with a letter or number that told me how well I had performed. Seeing that grade at the top of the page was satisfying. It was a mark of approval (if it was good that is...) letting me know how I did in relation to everyone else. It let me know how close to the standard I was. It let me know where I needed to improve.

But that was then and this is now. I don't get those kinds of grades anymore. The grading criteria has become more complex, more subtle, and more confusing. Are we still on a hundred-point scale?

The answer is no. The hundred-point scale went bye-bye along with the neatly typed syllabus and the dry-erase white board. Snack time and recess? Also bye-bye.

Now every person is your teacher and they all have a different grading system. I'm your teacher and I may demand a lot from you. Your neighbor also is your teacher and he may expect very little.

Confused? Oh, you should be.

Your wife, your husband, your children, your clients, and your boss are all your teachers now. And you theirs.

Go easy on your red pen and they may go easy on theirs. Go hard, and well, this semester may stretch longer than it should.

Passing grades these days are measured in happiness, loyal clients, faithful friends, strong businesses, getting out bed with purpose, pig-headed determination, and knowing our "why's".

Are you passing or failing?