(First published in AUGI World Magazine – June 2016)
Don’t overdue it
[1]Don’t gush over someone or draw out the compliment too long, specially in public. Others will be annoyed. Don’t start passing out too many uplifting appreciations. That will water them all down. I have known people that have complimented me with wording that exceeds the accomplishment. Scale the compliment to the achievement. If someone does a really outstanding job, then possibly a gift card or lunch might be appropriate.
Avoid Comedic compliments
Telling someone that they “didn’t screw it up as much as you thought they would” is not a compliment. Avoid making a compliment into a joke. Do not poke at someone’s failings as part of praise. How would you like to hear “you did a pretty good job considering that you had no idea what you were doing”. The group may get a chuckle, but the person who was the brunt of the joke does not take away any uplifting message.
Pass on Compliments
When someone gives you a compliment in the form of your team doing a good job, pass it on. Let your team know that they did a good job and who told you that. Tack on a “rider” and tell them that you really are proud of their efforts and that you appreciate their output.
So if you have read three posts… then make it a goal to give a compliment or praise to someone today and tomorrow. Start a health habit by looking for what is worthy of commendation and let people know that you are thankful for their labors.