Quick Tip: Be Specific with Employee Praise

Everyone appreciates praise from a client, a supervisor or a co-worker.
But vague compliments leave the (often correct) impression that you don’t really understand what that person does.

When you spot someone doing something right, provide immediate positive feedback that’s specific to the task.  If you aren’t sure about someone’s role, spend a few minutes finding out more before lavishing praise on them.

“You saved me from embarrassment this morning when you spotted that typo before I sent that document out,” communicates not just your appreciation, but also your understanding of what was done and how it helped.

“You do a great job! Keep it up,” on the other hand, is so generic that it lacks credibility unless it’s followed up with details.

It’s like the difference between targeted e-mail and spam. If your compliments are sprayed on everyone that you encounter, their impact is reduced to almost nothing.  And your relationship with that person takes a hit, too.

See other Quick Tips on Common Sense PR.