Top 5 Ways to Be Better at Giving and Receiving Praise
1. Be Specific, Not Generic
Giving: Instead of “Good job,” say “I really appreciated how you stepped up to lead the meeting today—it brought clarity and confidence to the whole team.”
Receiving: Acknowledge it with gratitude and, if appropriate, reflect on what specifically helped you succeed.
2. Be Timely
Giving: Praise is most powerful when it's fresh. Don’t wait for formal reviews—speak up as soon as you notice something great.
Receiving: Respond promptly and graciously. A simple “Thank you, that means a lot” goes a long way.
3. Make It Personal
Giving: Tailor your praise to the individual’s values or effort. People are more moved when the praise shows that you see them.
Receiving: Don’t deflect or downplay. Accept that someone noticed your contribution—own it with humility.
4. Focus on Effort and Impact
Giving: Highlight the hard work, problem-solving, or collaboration that led to success—not just the outcome.
Receiving: Recognize your role in the bigger picture, and consider how your work helped the team.
5. Practice the Praise Loop
Giving: Create a culture where praise flows in all directions—peer to peer, manager to team, team to leader.
Receiving: Pay it forward. When you receive sincere praise, use that as a reminder to encourage someone else.
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