Simple Words of Praise
Posted by Ted Hopton on May 2, 2008
I just sent a quick, nice email to someone’s boss, letting her know how impressed I am with this colleague who reports to her. It took me thirty seconds to write and send.
How often do we take the time to do such things? I know I don’t do it as frequently as I should.
Yet, the ripple effect of that 30-second task will spread out in many ways. That boss has a moment of pride about her direct report. She shares that with the person I wrote about, and they share a moment of pride together that helps strengthen their relationship. The subject of my praise feels gratitude toward me for singling her out for praise to her boss.
My relationship with both of them gets a positive boost. Going forward as we work together I’ve got just that much stronger a bond with my colleagues, and I’m likely to get more of the cooperation that led to my praise.
It’s a virtuous cycle. And it’s so easy to start it in motion. 30 seconds. Try it!
