If you hand out praise in the wrong way, it can do more harm than good! Here are some “Don’ts” Don’t generalize. If the praise is too general, it may not sound genuine. Be explicit about what you praise. Rather than just telling people that they have done “a good job,” let them know specifically what you liked about what they have done and/or how you appreciate how they did it.
Don’t hit and run! Spend time with the person when you give them praise. Whether it is a one-on-one call or a face-to-face meeting, let them know how they made a difference and/or what their actions meant to you. Don’t rush it. The time you spend is truly an investment!
Don’t praise poor performance. People know when they are doing well AND when they are not. There is a difference between encouragement and praise. It is okay to encourage people as well as acknowledging when you have been let down.
Don’t always do or say the same thing. Vary the praise. Use different words. It is important to develop your repertoire. Your words will start to sound fake and meaningless if you always say the same thing.
Don’t just use words. Sometimes words are just not enough. Gift cards, bonuses, interesting job assignments, an afternoon off, or a longer lunch hour will add sincerity to the message that your people are valued and appreciated.