How to Give Sincere Praise for a Job Well Done

February 14, 2012

Giving praise that really hits home and is appreciated by employees and volunteers is something of an art.

Simply saying “Nice job” is fine  for the little things, but when an extra effort has been exerted, it warrants more  than that.

Here are four steps to giving sincere  praise:

1. Be specific. Tell them exactly what  they did that you value and how it helps the organization.

2. Be timely. Don’t wait until you are  scheduled to meet with the person. Give praise during or right after the performance.

3. Give praise privately first. Then look  for an opportunity to reinforce the message in front of others. This has the added  benefit of showing others what kind of behavior is valued by the organization.

4. Don’t make praise “back-handed.” Don’t  add a qualifier, such as “You could have done a little more of this” or  “I wish you would do that more often.”