A Compliment Can be a Great Motivator

A compliment can be a great motivator, particularly if you put a little thought into the why, when, and how of delivering it. Be sure to comment whenever someone on your staff keeps working in the face of rejection, handles a difficult situation well, catches an error, gives another employee a helping hand, sells a particular product for the first time, or gives you a lead that proves fruitful. Most of the time, a compliment should be given in public, either at a meeting or on the company bulletin board. If the situation is delicate, convey your praise through a personal note that the employee can share with his family. As with all rewards, praise should be given immediately after good performance to provide the greatest reinforcement. It seems so easy to correct or criticize and more difficuult to compliment for a job well done It doesn’t cost us anything and it may pay back some great dividends. (Bits & Pieces, May 27, 1993, p. 12).