“Good job!” Now, we have all heard that before. Sometimes it is lip service. Often it is reactive. But all of the time it does mean something when it comes from the leadership team. Praising work and effort is something that should be done on a continuing basis and many leaders do it very well. But if it is done in a poor way, or worse, not done at all, it can leave an employee confused and often less focused on the tasks ahead.
A sincere yes and a thumb’s up always helps the ego (we all have one.) Praise increases individual performance, enables professional growth, and sets up true potential. The human touch, a smile and a handshake, is often the greatest reward when done in the collective presence of the group.
Trust building and success are honest derivatives of simple and honest praise. Trust is essential in getting things done and should be an integral part of the praise process. Leaders need to give plenty of trust out until they feel the need to reel some of it back. Remember, success is a series of small things that builds to accomplishment. Simple ingredients that are done very well always create both trust and success.
It is essential to also realize that honest praise prevents the tendency to over manage. “Under” leadership always comes from “over “management.
The strength of leaders in this economy comes from the ability to get the most from what you have every day. Training is essential. It is never about the results. It is about the situations. Getting the team on the same page is not only the plan, it should be the normal course of business.
So, praise the work and pass the ammunition of opportunity. It is a great battle plan.
What do you think?
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @MarkWillDCT.
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