Leaders Offer Sincere Praise

Most likely we have worked for and/or with people in leadership positions who do this and those who don't.  If you reflect back, you will realize that there is a striking difference.  The leader who offers sincere praise (it has to be sincere and not fake... most people can spot fake praise a mile away) creates a wonderful work environment and makes members of the team feel good about themselves and about the organization.  The person in the leadership position who does not. or will not, praise is at a striking disadvantage.  There is compelling research that suggests that people value recognition more than money.

Sincere praise does several things, and the effective leader is wise to have the habit of using it:

1) Sincere praise motivates.  People truly appreciate being told when they are doing something right.  Far too often people in positions of leadership will only point out the deficiencies and mistakes.  This is discouraging and disheartening and leads to a lack of productivity.  Tell people that you appreciate them and thank them for a job well done.  It creates a much better working environment for everyone!

2) Sincere praise creates a positive culture.  When you have been around as long as I have, you will have worked in very positive cultures and very toxic cultures.  No one likes to be in a position where they dread going to work.  It creates stress and, in many cases, serious physical and psychological health issues.  A well-placed word of praise and acknowledgment of a job well done creates a sense of self-worth and motivates people to want to continue to do well, if not better.

3) Sincere praise produces results.  Tell someone that they are doing a great job and chances are very high that they will will work harder and produce more.  It is important to understand that I am not advocating using praise to get people to work harder.  Praise should be given because it is the right thing to do; however, it does get results!

Be the leader who offers sincere praise to their team because it is the right thing to do and the results will be well worth it, the primary being that people will feel good about themselves and the job they are doing.  In this case, everyone wins!