Page 48 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

Ongoing Positive Feedback

The Motivational Mindset
■ Positive feedback builds self-esteem, confidence, and goodwill.
■ Think of the phrase “Catch them doing something right,”
coined by Ken Blanchard in The One Minute Manager, to
remind yourself to give the always-appreciated pat on the
back.
■ Kudos need no special occasion. Minor accomplishments are
still accomplishments, and all skills and positive behaviors add
value.
■ The employee who rarely excels needs the boost of an
occasional “Way to go!” more than anyone. Find something to
praise.
■ Even your top performers need to know that you are aware
of their efforts and successes. Without positive feedback, they
may eventually wonder, “Why bother?” or decide to move to a
more constructive environment.
■ Major accomplishments deserve major praise.
■ The best positive feedback is specific and goes beyond
vague accolades to praise specific behaviors. Here’s an
example of so-so positive feedback: “You were great in that
meeting.” (That’s fine, but you need to say why or how.) The
useful positive feedback version: “Your tactfully bringing
that meeting back on track saved our client relationship. I
appreciate your initiative.”
■ Start to notice how often you give positive feedback and to
whom.
■ Praise is positive feedback for a job well done, but positive
feedback encourages the good efforts of those who are
struggling as well. Even if it’s only a small part of an effort that
has not gone well, praise hard work as something to build on.
■ Praise can be given privately, publicly, in writing, online, and in
letters or e-mails copied to appropriate people.

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