3 Keys to Meaningful and Effective Praise

Praise-based feedback is a "tremendous and significant" driver in the engagement process.

Praise-based feedback, when meaningfully and effectively delivered, can open the doors to engagement that might otherwise be closed or remain closed.

Delivering meaningful and effective praise based feedback communicates "value" to the person receiving recognition, "awareness" of the positive attributes of their actions, and "gratitude" for what is being done.

The result of meaningful and effective praise based feedback is encouragement that opens the doors
to engagement.

In order to meaningfully and effectively deliver encouraging praise based feedback, the following three keys must be in place:

Observation.

Effective and meaningful praise is built strictly from observation. When praise is delivered, cite a specific example or series of examples that have been observed. (Example: "I appreciate how kind you are to our guests. Specifically, I saw you ....... and for that, I am grateful.")

Further, if a person is praise worthy, provide praise. Do so regardless of a person’s station or situation. Praise is a gift that has an immeasurable value. (This is true for all parties in the praise transaction.)

Authenticity.

When delivering praise, authenticity of expression is critical to acceptance. Be present, honest, real and trustworthy. Maintain the proper attention on the person receiving the praise.

Positivity.

Focus on the positive. Ignore, put aside, surrender, and cancel all desire to point out or correct any other items. Focus on the positive. Consider the impact for the organization, people in the organization, stakeholders, shareholders, customers guests, etc. (When praiseworthy behavior is observed, there are plenty of "positive impacts" to consider in most, if not all organizations.)

Praise and encouragement, when offered in an effective and meaningful way, can have a tremendous impact or individual as well as organizational engagement.

Failing to understand the value of praise-based feedback and its overall impact on "what" you do may slow both personal and organizational success and growth.

As always – if you would like to learn more about this topic - or - book me to speak with your organization, operators are standing by!

Comments

Understanding the "Engagement Zone"

The “engagement zone” is an unseen, yet powerful arena, in which an emotionally driven encounter occurs that results in a transaction between parties or their respective representatives. These transactions may be: Between two individuals Amongst or between a group or groups of individuals Amongst or between an individual and a representation (website, app, etc.) of an individual or organization. Transactions in the engagement zone may or may not: Be authentic Be effective Be meaningful. Within the “engagement zone” a wide variety of transactions can occur. These transactions range from moments that “last a lifetime” to moments that “drive us to rage.” Make no mistake, the “engagement zone” is powerful and it is packed with endless possibilities. When people enter “the zone,” they typically enter with a purpose. They may enter to buy or sell, teach or learn, improve or grow, lead or follow, etc. The goal, most often, is “success” within the zone. Two Fa

4 Leadership Lessons from the Pace Car

I can remember the first Indy 500 I watched. Specifically, I can recall my captivation with the “pace car.” The very first pace car I watched "set the pace" was a Chevy Corvette driven by Jim Rathmann. I remember asking my friends in the room “what exactly does a 'pace' car do and why is it needed?” Without any hesitation someone in the room replied “it paces the drivers to ensure they are up to speed and ready to start the race.” I now realize that the “pace car” is actually a “pace setter" and it does more than just "set" the speed. When I think of coaching, teaching, mentoring etc., it is evident that "pace setting" is a quality of effective leaders. Pace setting creates opportunities to grow success by setting expectations. 4 Leadership Lessons from the Pace Car #1 - The pace car ensures that the track is safe. Effective leaders ensure that organizational culture is both physically and emotionally safe. Yes, the

Friday with Friends - "Relationships Matter"

As humans we crave relationships. We are relational beings. Need proof? Next time you go on a plane pay attention to how many people who are seemingly strangers will talk to each other for the duration of your trip. Relationships matter not only to us in society, they matter to us as educators. When I was in college, my education professors always put an emphasis on student relationships. Making sure we interact well with students. I wish that I could provide a silver bullet to developing relationships with students or a simple ten point checklist to follow to create better relationships with students, but the fact of the matter is that I would then be lying to you. It's funny. At points I have heard stories of some students who misbehave for some teachers. Those same students are like angels in my class; I love working with them. Sometimes I have students who challenge me but don't challenge their other teachers. Relationships depend entirely on t

Search This Blog