One of the best things you can do for others is to let them know when you see their skills and talents at work. When you see someone perform well, give great effort, or step up to take on responsibility, you’ve got to let them know.
It’s kind of like a sailor high in the crow’s nest, yelling ‘Land Ho!’ (Ho didn’t used to be a derogatory term.) And it can generate the same kind of feeling of success, accomplishment and enthusiasm.
When you call out great effort, ability, or accountability, it creates a valuable reward for the person recognized. It says, ‘I see what you are doing. It is good. It is valuable. Do more of that. ‘ Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” (Which also seems to indicate that he stopped getting compliments at the end of his life.)
Your positive reinforcement can call other people’s attention to the good things you see. Which shines more sunlight on the good and helps it grow and flourish.
Humans grow towards praise. So praise people for their valued actions, and you will see more. Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” But you should also praise the change you want to see in the world. When you do, it will multiply.
Key Takeaway
When you see others doing good, call it out. Even if it’s awkward. Even if you don’t know them. (Especially if you don’t know them!) That random reward creates positive reinforcements around valued actions and behaviors. And it encourages others to develop into a greater version of themselves. So when you see something good, say something good, and the world will get more good in return.
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+For more of the best life lessons I have learned, check out my book, What Does Your Fortune Cookie Say? from Ripples Media. And consider subscribing to Adam’s Good Newsletter.
Adam Albrecht Blog 