"The sweetest of all sounds is praise." -Xenophon

We all know how good we feel when we are praised ...

It brightensour day.

It makes us smile.

It makes us warm inside.

Why, then, is it done so little?

Leaders praise.

They praise privately.

And they praise publicly.

Leaders motivate others by showing SINCERE appreciation.

They reward the behaviors they want to see again.

Leaders praise actions, not people.

Leaders FIND things to praise.

A 10 SECOND REALITY CHECK:

- When was the last time you praised an action by your co-worker, co-volunteer, or family member?
- When was the last time you praised your boss?
- When was the last time you publicly appreciated someone’s action?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

- Praise is inexpensive.
- Praise is effective.
- Opportunities for praise are allllll around you!
- Praise is fun...for the praisee and the praisor (you!)

SOOOO... WHAT CAN YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

- Take a "praise pause:" set a time each day, to think of others’ actions that are praiseworthy.
- Set yourself a goal to praise at least three actions every day.
- Place a quick handwritten note, praising an accomplishment on the person’s desk on in his or her mailbox.
- Take 5 minutes at the end of a meeting to go around the room and have each person share an appreciation for someone’s actions. (Just watch the mood change!)
- Make a bulletin board a "Kudos" Board, where folks can share accomplishments.

And most importantly, what will YOU do differently TODAY (not tomorrow)?

Have a rewarding week!