Great People Works

Give Praise  by mentioning what they did and why you like it. Mention the personal characteristic of their behavior and the long-term positive impact it has created.

Work Example: I really like the way you stay organized and professional. You always seem to be on-time and well prepared. I admire how diligent and conscientious you are in staying on top of all of these activities. As a result of your efforts our events are always successful and everyone benefits from your advance preparation.

Personal Example: I admire you for admitting you were wrong and taking responsibility for your mistake. You show a high degree of integrity when you do this and it makes our relationship stronger when I know I can rely on you. Your honesty and repsonsibility heightens the respect and warmth I already have for you.

Give praise when it is due and use it somewhat sparingly. When you constantly or consistently praise someone you run the risk of it becoming meaningless and routine which lessens the impact on reinforcing positive behavior or even making someone feel good.  You can give someone short positive feedback in between such as "Good job" or "Nice work" or even "I like that," but keep in mind that this kind of praise is often vague and somewhat generic.  It becomes almost as meaningless as "Have a nice day" because it has become over-used and trite.    When you reserve formal praise for the more significant positive accomplishments it increases it's power by standing out as more significant and meaningful to the person receiving the praise. Your intention is to reinforce positive and exceptionally good behavior in others not just to make them feel good.  Sometimes the only behavior you can praise was their noble intention to do the right thing.  This is especially helpful when they have been frustrated by missing success or achieving their goal but they have not given up.