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Tip 853: Praise people when you don't want anything. |
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Offering praise should not be a prelude to more work. "I really like the way this report is laid out. Do you have a few minutes to show me how to put the same kinds of graphics in mine?" is likely to bring a frown rather than a smile. Make praise an "end" in and of itself, not a transitional thought. |
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Tip 854: Praise individuals rather than groups. |
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Group praise leaves individuals feeling anonymous. Groups don't do work; individuals do. People feel better about their contribution when you recognize them individually by calling their names. Not: "I want to thank your group for its contribution on the project that turned out so well." But: "The project was finished ahead of time in a very tight window and within a skimpy budgetto the client's total satisfaction. Thanks to the creative thinking of Harriet, Andrea, Harvey, and Misong. I appreciate the contributions each of you make." |
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Tip 855: Be specific in your praise. |
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Specific praise sounds more sincere than vague generalizations. Let other people know you understand what they had to do to get the good rating. Not: "Joe, you handle irate customers with finesse." But: "Joe, I observed how you handled that last customer. When he started yelling, that took a bit of restraint on your part to keep your cool. Sheryl said you even offered to deliver the customer's merchandise yourself on the way home. That's going to eat into your personal time. I appreciate that extra effort." |
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Tip 856: Comment on the deed rather than the person when the issue is performance. |
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When you compliment people by labeling them, they don't necessarily know what they did to get the good rating. Therefore, they may feel the praise is insincere. And if they enjoyed the praise, they will lack direction in what they did well and how to get a repeat performance. |
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Not: "Connie, you're so thoughtful." |
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But: "Connie, stopping by to pick up lunch for us was thoughtful. That'll save a great deal of time I desperately need to spend at the computer. I'm glad you thought of that while you were out." |
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