Article word count: 463 Approximate time to read: 1.7 minutes
It’s not every day you feel on top of the world and ready to tackle any challenge that is ahead. What’s the one thing that would make you feel on top of the world and motivated to tackle anything that comes your way head on? When asked the one thing employees wanted, it was recognition of a job well done. Simple! If this was done regularly self-esteem, confidence and customer service levels would improve and sales would increase leading to increased profit in business.
If giving a little bit of recognition has such positive results and yet is so simple, then why don’t we praise those around us more often? The number 1 reason – We don’t know how. The number 2 reason – in our busy lives we forget how important it is and hence forget to do it regularly enough to make a difference.
So how can we praise those around us to boost their effectiveness? We can try applying the following simple steps for long lasting effects.
1) Compliment small things
We don’t have to wait until something big happens to give someone a compliment. Any compliment no matter how small can go a long way towards building a bridge and extending an olive branch to a person. When you give a compliment you’re saying, “I think you’re OK.”
We can say things like “I like your shirt. I like your hair. I like the meal you cooked. I like the work you did on that.” It’s these small comments that really help people feel good about themselves and help them feel valued as an individual.
2) Be sincere in your acknowledgement
There is nothing worse, more obvious or more insulting than an insincere acknowledgement so make sure you mean what you say when you compliment someone. Choose something that you think is positive and worthwhile, which is not necessarily what you think the person might want to hear.
3) Make it short and to the point
Sometimes people can go overboard in their praise, particularly in the early stages of learning how to compliment others effectively. It’s important to make it short and to the point to avoid looking or sounding insincere and like you’re after something (which you’re not!). You’re after recognising people’s contribution and thanking them for it.
You could say something as simple as “You’re doing a good job. I appreciate your hard work. Thanks for your commitment.” These simple words can mean a lot to people and we should make a point of saying them more often, at least once a day.
By identify small things to compliment, being sincere in our acknowledgement and making it short and to the point, we can recognise the efforts of those around us and boost their effectiveness the easy way.
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Leonie Russell, the Communications Expert, helps businesses boost productivity, build memorable customer service and enhance employee health and well-being through transforming how they communicate. She is a speaker, writer and coach. www.DimensionCommunications.com.au leonie@dimensioncommunications.com.au
Tags: boost effectiveness, compliments, genuine
