Celebrating Successes The Power Of Compliments
Years ago, when I was new in management circles, a veteran administrator decided to share his self-described secret of success. He said: You have to be careful, Bill. I*ve learned not to compliment my people. Makes them too self-assured, and they get lax in their work habits. Better to keep them guessing.
As I listened, I uttered silent thanks, grateful that Don was a professional acquaintance–and not my boss. Both intuitively and from experience, I knew that managers build loyalty when they celebrate their employees* successes with compliments.
To use a familiar analogy, criticism has the same impact on people that salt does on plants. Stated positively, compliments act as nutrients for people, just as fertilizer does for flowers.
Having played golf for several decades, I remember the teaching professionals who helped me the least–and the most. The least helpful were those who spent the whole half hour describing my faults: bending your left arm. . .not enough weight shift. . . tempo is too fast. Jim, my favorite pro, accents the positives: swinging better than last time. . .hit that shot really square . . .now that*s the way to finish in balance. Not surprisingly, I wanted to swing better for Jim.
When I think of compliments, I remember my father*s advice. For forty years, he managed a sizable department store. When I took my first supervisory position in higher education, he counseled me: Bill, one thing I have learned is that workers perform better when we let them know we appreciate their performance. Remember to commend those who do well. Then they*ll keep improving.
During the twenty-three years I spent as a department head, I followed his recommendation. Even a simple comment–You did a good job drafting those letters–boosted morale and cultivated organizational loyalty.
As a communication specialist, there are several tips I will share about using compliments.
Avoid flattery, say no more than the situation merits. While flattery exaggerates our evaluation, the compliment reflects our honest opinion. For example, if you choose to tell an employee that she handled that customer superbly, better than anyone else could possibly have done, she might silently question your authenticity. A more believable comment: I liked the way you helped that customer. I*m sure you made a good impression she will remember.
An employee–just like a friend or family member–detects shallow praise. Fortunately, when you have deep convictions about the praise you extend, co-workers will sense your authenticity.
This leads to a second characteristic of a compliment: It sounds realistic. If somebody told me that I am a wonderful dancer, I might laugh out loud. Sadly, so would my wife, who has endured my errant feet for a long time.
Be timely in issuing compliments. We should give the compliment almost immediately after the event that prompts our praise. Imagine that on Tuesday Dorothy makes the biggest sale she has ever made. Clearly, her training has brought beautiful results. Even fellow employees admire her accomplishments with this order.
If you wait until Friday to compliment her, you*ve lost a grand opportunity. Give her your attention before Tuesday ends, while she*s still aglow with pride. Try this: Dorothy, I think you noticed that all of us were delighted with that special order you handled today. You*ve made lots of progress, and it shows.
Another tip: Issue compliments in moderation. Managers lose credibility when they praise employees too frequently. Like the most gorgeous flower, a compliment becomes grander with irregular appearance. No, we can*t go as far as my colleague Don, never issuing favorable comments. However, good judgment will help us find the reasonable pacing that works.
Again: Use compliments in proper context. When you tell Fred late in the day that he is one of your most dependable people, your compliment becomes suspect when you add: Oh, by the way, Fred, you*re supposed to have Saturday off, but I*m going to have to ask you to come in then to help us handle those weekend wedding orders. Any time a compliment appears manipulative, it loses force. . .and we lose face.
Yes, compliments can be chancy. Some employees might accuse us of playing favorites, being too syrupy, or trying to win favor for our hidden agendas. Risky, that*s true. . .but worth the risk.
When you become known for offering genuine, realistic compliments in moderation, at the right time, and in the proper setting, you*ll notice your employees responding positively. In fact, they will compliment you for your thoughtfulness and encouragement.
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., wrote The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! As a business consultant, speaker and coach, he helps organizations improve their communication, motivation, customer service and sales.
His Web site: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com
E-mail: mailto:drbill@ChampionshipCommunication.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
What Is An Artist’s Statement How Often Should It Be Updated (1)
How is your work meaningful to you?How do you begin to write your artists statement? You could begin by writing a quote that has inspired you and your work, or you could create a strong sentence that summarizes your philosophy about your life and how art has changed your views on life in general.
4 Customer Service Mistakes Companies Should Avoid Making (2)
Always keep in mind that as long as you remain calm and in control, you can address the reason behind the customer's anger.3) Ignoring a problem. Ignoring a customer's problem won't make it go away.
The Benefits Of Catalog Sales For Your Business (3)
It breaks easily when shipped, customers think it's overpriced, or assembly instructions are confusing. Any number of issues can be red-flagged by high returns.Placing your eggs in one basket.Many catalogs ask for an "exclusive." This agreement guarantees that the catalog will be the only one carrying your product for the length of the exclusive.
You Deserve To Retire Early (4)
Sometimes, we get so busy with our work and lives that we forget the potential within. You may be able make a huge difference in your community. You may be able to touch a lot of lives in a way that only you can.
Your Organization Is Only As Good As Your People (5)
If they can recruit those people, they will accomplish what they intend to do. If not, they will fail.Is That All There Is?Wouldn’t it be great if that was all there was to it?
Ten Tips To Get Started Writing Your Book (6)
It's better to be clear than clever, but clever and clear are fine. _Passion At Any Age: Twelve Ways to Unleash It_, _Self-Promotion for the Creative Person_, _Quadruple your book's Online Sales in Less Than One Month_.
18 Tips For Saving Money On Gasoline By Fisher Swanson (7)
Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open!
Business After The Iraqi War (8)
Moreover, the "uncertainty factor" as I like to call it, most likely will keep businesses and consumers cutting back on expenditures for the remainder of 2003.Fortunately, there are some signs that the economy is beginning to recover.
Workplace Fitness A Gym Full Of Useful Advice For Continual Learning (9)
I love and hate it. And I go because it makes me push against what my mind says "you can't do". Now, I'm NOT going to challenge Lance Armstrong.
Networking Tips Getting An 8 (10)
Will you have prospects call to find out more about your products/services? Will you provide information when they call and then follow-up with printed materials, or will you direct them to a source?After you have decided what you want the 800 number to do, put yourself in your customer's place, and be sure you are meeting all their needs.
Your Worst Enemy To Successful Investing The Media (11)
That's fine, however it's important to be aware that for every expert, there's an opinion and for every opinion there's an expert. I have a friend who says that opinions are like noses: everyone has one but you wouldn't live in anyone else's nose!
New Energy Bill Reducing Our Dependence On Foreign Oil (12)
S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration states that domestic oil production in 2002 was 5.8 mmbd, about 36% lower than the 9.0 mmbd produced in 1985. The total use of petroleum products on the other hand has grown from 15.2 mmbd in 1985 to 19.3 mmbd in 2002.The lion’s share of oil consumption stems from transportation needs.
The 8 Biggest Mistakes When Designing Portfolios And How To Avoid Them (13)
Forecasting is the single most difficult task with designing portfolios. Although not a perfect solution, using historical returns rather than making forecasts is generally considered more appropriate for individual investors.6.
Are Mortgages A Risky Business (14)
A bank or mortgage company is nothing more than a box in which to keep money. The owner of the box has to do a few calculations. Firstly, how much is he going to offer those people who deposit cash in his box, in return for such a deposit?
Writing One Or Two Line Ads (15)
Now let's do this exercise. Take a few moments to think about what you are selling? How could you describe it and peak my interest? Now condense the ad down to 1 or 2 sentences.
Your Administration TeamLook After Them (16)
If she requires the occasional afternoon or morning off to deal with personal matters, all she has to do is ask. Because of this attitude with her employer, she does her utmost best in her work and never thinks twice about working overtime on the odd occasion.
Smart Choices How To Hire The Best (17)
Today’s economy is exploding with talent, allowing you to be selective about the staff you hire. Yet, the crucial step to filling a position is finding the right talent for your organization - someone that has the skills for the job, easily blends with the culture, interacts well with the team and believes in your mission.In his best seller, Good to Great, Jim Collins writes, "In the good-to-great transformation, people are not your most important asset.
After The Sale By Kevin Schappell (18)
Enjoy your car... that's simple huh? Well it's not really that simple. Here is a list of things to think about after the sale. Notify your insurance agent about the new car.
South Beach Diet Effects On Sales (19)
has already created South Beach Diet friendly products and has come to an agreement with Dr. Agatston to use the South Beach Diet trademark to promote them. In 2003, Kraft had already begun its campaign for encouraging healthier lifestyles, offering the consumers low-calorie, reduced carbs products.Beer producers try hard to regain the lost ground because of the diet's claim that the beer contains carbohydrates, its consumption leading to “beer bellies”.
Retreads The Highest And Best Use For A Worn Tire By ARA Content (20)
In addition, every tire that is retreaded is one less tire for our overcrowded landfills. "I don't know of any other recycled product that saves as much money for the end user as a retreaded tire.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Buying Homes (1)
Monitor the market and tract home prices. Expect to spend 90 days watching the real estate market through advertisements. Question and investigate homes that are advertised month after month.
5 Tips For Savvy Use Of Your Home Equity Line Of Credit (2)
During the 12 months, I also made sure to continue my regular payment towards the HELOC at the same level, meaning that more of each went to pay down principal and less went to interest.
Getting PreApproved For A Home Loan Is One Of The Best Ways To Get A Leg Up On The Competition When Shopping For A Home (3)
Some lenders will charge the fees up front and others will wait until you are approved for the loan.4. Fill out any extra paperwork such as proof of employments and statement of your resources.
Truth Or Consequences How To Give Employee Feedback (4)
Nip issues in the bud and avoid the messy interpersonal tangles that result from neglected communication. Meeting with employees on a monthly or quarterly basis instead of annually, for example, conveys, "Your success is important to me, so I want to be accessible to you."2.
Settling Your Motor Vehicle Accident Claim Yourself By Dan Baldyga (5)
But, here’s the problem: The vast majority of lawyers lack those essential attributes so as to position themselves to correctly process a clients motor vehicle accident claim.QUESTION: “How can Dan Baldyga be so sure about what he’s written regarding the above?” ANSWER: “Because Dan was an Insurance Claims Adjuster, Supervisor, Manager and Trial Assistant.
Steps To Buying A Used Car With Confidence By ARA Content (6)
When looking at a used car, check for: -- rust around the fenders and bumpers, around lights, under doors and in wheel wells -- cracks, dents and mismatched body panels Cars that have been previously damaged may be more likely to have mechanical problems, and do not withstand accidents as well as cars that are structurally sound.
Can It Be Is There Advertising People Actually Love (7)
And you are already very aware of it. The type of advertising I'm referring to is promotional items, also known as advertising specialties. It's anything a company would put their logo and contact information on, and then give away.
Are You In The Right Online Business (8)
Terrence Markle – All Rights ReservedFREE 8-Day “Internet Business Mini-Course” at http://www.QuikSystems.com/BMC/FreeBizCourse.htmF. Terrence Markle has worked for over 20 years with public and private companies. He has an MBA in marketing and finance.
Understanding Real Estate Terminology (9)
Points are an up-front cost which may be paid by either the buyer or seller or both in conventional loans.In general, there are two types of conventional loans that a buyer can obtain.
Ten Steps To Building A Good Credit History (10)
With time, discipline, hard work, and by taking the proper steps, you’ll be able to build a good credit history too. To build or rebuild your credit history you need to take certain steps: Develop a budget and live by it.
What Many PR Users Ignore (11)
It won’t be long before those around you will be asking if any progress is being made. By which time you already will be hard at work remonitoring perceptions among your target audience members.
A Few Easy Ways To Take The Headache Out Of Moving (12)
Moving from one house to another is always a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are some simple tips on how to get it done with minimal stress and strain.Look at all the alternatives: hiring a moving company, for example, versus renting a truck and doing it yourself.
The Executive Resume Moving Beyond Accomplishments (13)
She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com.
So Why Don’t You Tell Me About Yourself (14)
The results were tremendous. Within six months my sales team and I were able to revitalize the territory and boost sales by 65%. 3. Tie your response to the needs of the hiring organization.
12 Free Tools For Starting A Home Business With No Money (15)
Even if you have no credit, no business background, no experience, or no education, these proven 12 free tools can be used for jump starting your home business idea into reality.
Twitch Speed Reaching Younger Workers Who Think Differently (16)
Why, they ask, should I finish school when elementary school kids can design professional Web sites, 20-year-olds can start billion-dollar companies, and Bill Gates, who left school for something with more payoff, is the world's richest man?Young people make these payoff-vs.-patience decisions every minute, and sometimes in ways that are counterintuitive.
Assembly Work At Home Scams (17)
Keep careful records of everything you do to recover your money. Document your phone calls, keep copies of all paperwork such as letters and receipts, and record all costs involved, including the time you spend.
Are You PRChallenged (18)
Your job is to persuade your stakeholders to your way of thinking and move them to take actions that lead to the success of your organization. Here’s one way to do exactly that.
Why Small Businesses Fail Or Fail To Thrive (19)
And keep increasing your business and industry skills by attending classes or reading new books every year.7. Poor money management: You need to be able to live for one to two years without income when getting started; often businesses are very slow to get off the ground.
Tire Retreads Save Money And Resources For Many Industries By ARA Content (20)
Retreads are the replacement tire of choice for most truckers. Of the nearly 33.8 million replacement tires purchased by fleets in 2000, over 18.1 million were retreads and only about 15.6 million were new replacement tires.