Michael Massey of EQLS is in favour of that old-fashioned motivator – telling people they have done a good job.
Praise is a great motivator. Like small children we blossom and grow when we are praised or given encouragement. Praise punctures self-doubt and releases enthusiasm.
If there is no praise or recognition there is no joy and no motivation.
Given carelessly, praise can cause resentment and confusion. Praise the wrong person and it can indicate exactly how ‘out of touch’ you are. To be accurate and fair is how all givers of praise should be.
Praise demonstrates you notice: it shows that you care and that you are interested. If you are an observant, empathetic leader you will know the value of praise and encouragement, and use it wisely.
There should be no set ways of giving praise, or set times when it should be given, but here are a few basic rules to remember:
If it is expected it will have no value.
If it is given frequently it will be meaningless.
If it is given to the wrong person it will cause resentment.
If it is given grudgingly it will be ignored.
If it is buried in qualifying detail it will have little effect.
If it is given front of others it may be unwelcome.
It is always wise to praise in private.
Be even-handed. Notice if individuals go out of their way to look for praise. Notice those that steal praise from others.
Use praise to encourage. Don’t be predictable. Unexpected praise has a double value for the recipient.
Lastly, don’t forget to say ‘thank you’. These two words are so often forgotten and they are very, very important. Be careless, forget this common courtesy and you may loose respect.
We need to reconnect with the art of giving praise. It takes time, thought and effort, but the motivational effect can be amazing.
2 Responses
Creating collective ‘praise’ of life
I do wholeheartedly agree with Michael’s comments; the only way we blossom as human beings is in a state of enhancement, and the first step is to enable a whole community to write it’s own language for ‘best behaviour’ and for that you need a shared open dialogue that links human essence and endeavour with the community needs and outcomes… This will create a praise worthy community where it is natural to praise and be praised (to love and be loved).
If we take this ‘praise’ model as one that allows ‘value creation'(i.e. praise makes us feel good, we blossom and increase our own value by absorbing this praise – we give that to others with joy)- then each human being becomes part of making the whole energy of ‘what works well around here’.
Put this into a work setting and the behaviours/attitudes that Michael promotes will provide a collective energy and commitment to using praise – this creates a motivated and well community.
We do similar in creating well communities where it’s good to praise, creating an increase in wellness. A degree of wellness makes better people and better business.
There’s an art in this too..starting with praise and then teaching full awareness of ourselves and our relationships with others and applying this to the circumstances we all own.
My thoughts…join me to debate these ideas…
Pauline Crawford
Corporate Heart
http://www.corporate-heart.co.uk
Spot-on – a good reminder
A succinct and accurate guide – Thanks