Choosing a Logo

After much thought and deliberation, I have chosen the new official logo for Ready to Feedback.

I asked for feedback on logo choices from friends, colleagues, and clients. The votes were cast and the people chose! The comments and out pour of support was incredible; I learned a lot about graphic design and differing perspectives. The controversy was unexpected but welcome as it allowed me an opportunity to express the why behind my choices—the power of feedback in action!

Check out my post, Ready to Feedback? Which Logo Do You Like?, for voting details and comments. Here are some highlights:

• “The apple swirl itself will be good for brand recognition.” —Geoff Crane
• “Simple but bold.” —Susan Mazza
• “Distinctive, creative & easy to replicate.” —Dan Loichinger
• “Clean, bold and fresh.” —Lolly Daskal
• “I was immediately reminded of school teacher.” —Shawn Murphy

This post is dedicated to Dan and Shawn, for asking the very obvious question: Why an apple to define your business? (My mission: partnering with HR professionals to coach and train leaders and their teams to use authentic feedback that retains, motivates, and fosters team connections.)

While the apple may rouse thoughts of school, chalkboards, and teachers—as in giving the teacher an apple, I am hoping to create new connections to the image of an apple.

“We are born believing. A man bears beliefs as a tree bears apples.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Surely the apple is the noblest of fruits.” — Henry David Thoreau, Wild Apples

Why an Apple?

In March 2009 when Ready to Feedback was born, I was searching for the ideal image to represent what I do. For me, a red apple signifies life, strength, health, and nourishment. Great feedback fills the soul and lifts you into tomorrow! OK, it’s corny, but I challenge you to think of a time when great feedback didn’t get you to smile and persevere.

In fact, historically, feedback conjures up thoughts of negativity, conflict, dread, and defensiveness! So associating feedback with an apple is my way of providing hope that feedback is healthy and can bring life, strength, and nourishment if it is offered and accepted with the proper mindset.

My mission gets leaders and their teams on the right path to health by focusing on authentic words, actions, and strategies that build connection, motivation, and improved performance. It’s important to offer strength and nourishment when offering authentic feedback. These are all reasons why I chose an apple.

So my choice is not so much connected with school or school teachers, or doctors for that matter (“An apple a day…”)!  The image of the apple symbolizes a fundamental choice to breathe life into today’s workplaces, families, and communities.

Why red? It’s my favorite color, of course!

Doesn’t it all make sense now? What do you think? Does an apple work for the work that I do?

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Sonia Di Maulo is a Feedback Enthusiast, Professional Speaker and Performance Improvement Consultant.  

Mission: To partner with HR professionals to coach and train leaders and their teams to use authentic feedback that retains, motivates, and fosters team connection.

She would love to hear from you… share your feedback stories and successes!