Praise & Appreciate People
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Praising people: A definitely underrated leadership skill
It’s 100% worth your time and energy to recognize and appreciate the people around you. Often, we think of feedback as something that happens when there’s a problem to fix or something to improve. But genuine, specific appreciation is feedback too — and it’s one of the most powerful tools a leader or teammate can utilize.
“When someone says, “Can I give you some feedback?” most people tense up. We’ve learned to flinch, expecting a blow and bracing to hear things that need improvement.”
Leaning on “feedback” that’s positive.
When someone says, “Can I give you some feedback?” most people tense up. We’ve learned to flinch, expecting a blow and bracing to hear things that need improvement. But “feedback” needs to also meant hearing, “You’re doing a great job.”
Flip the script. Tell someone, “Hey, can I give you some feedback?” and then surprise them with sincere praise. It’s a small act, but will definitely accomplish lighting that person up.
Why appreciation matters.
Appreciation isn’t fluff — it’s fuel. When people know that their effort, attitude, or kindness is seen and valued, they show up even stronger. Leaders who make recognition a habit gain rapport, and build teams that trust one another and feel more connected to their work.
The best praise is specific. Instead of a quick “Good job,” make it more meaningful like:
“Appreciation isn’t fluff — it’s fuel. When people know that their effort, attitude, or kindness is seen and valued, they show up even stronger.”
“I really appreciate how you handled that client issue so calmly.”
“Thank you for keeping the team organized during that tight deadline.”
“Your positive attitude makes a huge difference every day.”
It’s not about grand gestures. It’s about letting people know, clearly and sincerely, that you see them and that what they do matters.
Make it a practice.
You don’t need to make a big announcement. Just make appreciation part of your daily or weekly rhythm. Put a reminder on your screen: Praise people today.
Find ten people this week — at work and in your personal life — and go out of your way to tell them what you appreciate about them. Be specific. Be genuine. It costs nothing, and it lifts everyone up including you.
“Praising people is one of the easiest, most human things we can do to connect and make our world a little brighter.”
The ripple effect.
The world is a tough place and most people are carrying a lot, certainly more than you can realize at a glance. When you take a moment to recognize someone’s effort or kindness, you’re potentially giving them a really positive and much needed boost that can shift their whole day, or week.
Praising people doesn’t just make them feel good — it builds stronger teams, better relationships, and more resilient workplaces. It’s one of the easiest, most human things we can do to connect and make our world a little brighter. And it doesn’t cost a penny.
So this week, go gas people up. Tell them what you value about them. Light their candles.
It matters — more than you think.
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This article was created by Galen Emanuele for the #culturedrop. Free leadership and team culture content in less than 5 minutes a week. Check out the rest of this month's content and subscribe to the Culture Drop at https://bit.ly/culturedrop
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