I was 12, visiting a cottage and looking for adventure, when I first met Pete the water-skier.

While my family was chugging along in a beat-up old tub, Pete was racing around the lake behind a big, fast boat.

I was thrilled when he invited me to ski with him. He even taught me to drive while he skied. We had many good times that sunny summer.

It all ended one day when I failed to check behind me during a turn. While I watched for obstacles ahead, Pete was sinking into the water.

I can still feel the unexpected jolt as the tow rope suddenly tightened. The handle broke, flying out of his bleeding hands.

I turned the boat to pick up Pete. He called me an idiot, dropped me off at the dock, and we never again skied together.

Nowadays, the law says you cannot tow a skier without a spotter. No driver can be expected to keep an eye on the water ahead and the skier behind, at the same time.

For safety, you need another pair of eyes.

That's equally true in our careers. Many of us rely on our "spotters" to give us essential feedback.

Whether we're talking about good, honest friends in the workplace, or a formal 360-degree feedback program, spotting has become even more critical during this recession.

Most people are totally focused today on what's coming at them. They're doing everything they can to manage their jobs and sustain their employers.

They rarely have the luxury of looking around to make sure everything is ok. Like the kid driving the boat, they can't see what they can't see.

Sometimes it takes another pair of eyes to notice when they're courting disaster.

Their spotters can warn them about destruction they're leaving in their wake, and that gives them a chance to do something about it.

Equally, they need someone to notice where they are brilliant. People are working so hard, so worn out, that they're often oblivious to the good they're doing.

Spotters can offer re-assurance, a little appreciation that staves off burnout.

In these times of stress, we owe it to our people to encourage every opportunity for frank, caring feedback.

Just imagine, if I'd had a spotter that day, Pete and I might still be water skiing together this summer!