When I am too lazy to go to the gym (OK, basically every day), I sometimes exercise to an old step aerobics tape.
At one point in the tape this way-too-perky blonde instructor encourages me to keep going by saying, “You’re doing great.” At another point she says, “I’m proud of you.”
In what is left of my rational mind, I know she is not really speaking directly to me. I also know she can’t see or hear me when, on occasion, I tell her to “stick a cork in it” when she invites me to “take it to the next level”.
And yet, these two simple phrases of praise and encouragement – “You’re doing great” and “I’m proud of you” -- uttered from a 20-year-old video tape, motivate me most mornings to push through a strong desire to quit.
I tell you this story to remind you of the power of praise and encouragement. Whether you are a manager, a team member, a spouse, a parent or a friend, there is one thing you need never worry about: praising and encouraging others too much.
Let’s face it. We can all use all the support and encouragement we can get. And it costs us nothing to give it. In fact, it’s the best investment you can make in your staff, your team, and even your boss.
I’m not talking about flattery here. I’m talking about telling the truth. For a refresher on how to give positive feedback effectively, see our article titled, “Charisma – the art of reflecting others’ genius back to them”.
Hey, if a woman who probably stopped going to the gym herself 15 years ago can get me to hop around my living room at 5:00 AM, just think what you can do for people you actually know and care about. Imagine what your team could achieve as a result.
If you’d like to book a speaker for your next event to address this very topic in an engaging and humorous way, email us at: info@gabbettgroup.com.
Janie Gabbett is a writer, speaker and speech coach. She is a former news executive for the world's largest news and information company. Find out more about how she can help you and your company at www.gabbettgroup.com.
©Janie Gabbett 2005. All rights reserved.
