Tuesday was the first day of school for my fifth-grade daughter. She’s been excited for weeks (almost as excited as me).
She did her math homework in the car on the way home. When we got home, the first thing I did was check her multiplication. Out of 20 problems, she missed only three, and they were minor mistakes.
We corrected the work together. She was disappointed and she thought I was mad. I told her that I was happy and that for the first assignment of the year she made a great effort.
Before she went to sleep I told her how proud I was, not just about the math, but about several things she did that day – none of which she’d ever done before. She:
- Woke up on her own and came to the kitchen dressed and ready for school.
- Made her lunch and her sister’s lunch as well.
- Made butterflies and flowers for her teachers out of tissue paper and pipe cleaners. She also made dresses for her sister’s Barbie dolls - out of tissue paper and pipe cleaners!
- And got 17 answers correct on her homework.
There was a purpose behind my praise, and my daughter saw that her day’s accomplishments far outweighed missing three math problems.
The purpose of praise, at work, is much the same – to increase employee morale and productivity.
When was the last time you praised your employees?
Telling someone you like their haircut, have cute shoes or a tidy workspace doesn’t count as praise. Those are compliments.
Meaningful praise addresses specific accomplishments. Here are some examples:
- Rachel, the article you wrote about environmental job trends was some of your best work.
- James, you stayed 45-minutes late to address a customer’s concerns. That kind of initiative doesn’t go unnoticed.
- Sara, you got me the updated budget numbers, which allowed me to finish my report to the board. It’s nice to know I can rely on you in a pinch.
I challenge you to not just take notice, but to let your employees know that you’re proud of their efforts.
Do you remember the best praise you’ve ever received? What was it?
Posted on
Fri, August 28, 2009
by Sean Taylor Simpson
filed under