The Art of Offering a Compliment with More Impact

Most of us have the opportunity to work hard so we can play hard. Humans were created to work and be productive, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to hear words of gratitude and encouragement. Everyone has a specific way that makes them feel most appreciated, and in today’s blog, we are focusing on words of affirmation. Before we dive in and give some great examples we’d like to share some tips to keep in mind when using any of these suggestions.

Let your employee know the specific purpose of the compliment.

Everyone loves a compliment. People also like to know specifically what they did to earn it. Don’t make it generic; instead, offer praise for a job well done. A good example would be praise for a project that has taken extra hours and plenty of mental energy.

Express how the employee’s hard work is positively impacting the company.

Getting up day after day and working hard for someone can wear on even the best of us. Humans naturally want to be noticed doing good for others. Let your people know their work has been observed by you, and tell them how it is positively impacting the company.

Write it down, then give it to them.

Hand-written notes are a thing of the past, but they don’t have to be. Take time to write a thank-you note to your team members expressing your gratitude. You just might see it pinned to their wall the next time you visit their office.

Keep it professional, and add a personal touch.

Any compliments or expressions of gratitude should always remain professional, but make sure you add an individual touch. It’s nice to know the boss has taken the time to get to know more about team members. Adding a small monetary gift card to a favorite coffee shop or lunch spot, or even adding a favorite candy bar can make a tremendous difference.

A great book by Dr. Gary Chapman on showing appreciation in the workplace is, “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace”. 

Now, as promised, you can access that list of 10 Creative Phrases to Motivate Your Team HERE.