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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!

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