“what a good boy/girl!” (praise phrases)

(part of the Total Quality Leadership (TQL) series)

How an organization achieves world class quality excellence depends on its leaders within the organization, at all levels of the organization.  Whether your organization has just started its quality journey with ISO certification or are ready to apply for the world renowned Deming award, the critical success factor to world class quality excellence…it’s all in the leadership!

Leadership skills that make an environment successful are the same skills that we learned when we were little.  Today, praise phrases.

My June 27th blog addressed low self-esteem and the behavior we learn based on our environment as a child.  Titled To belittle is to be little; it addresses the behavior change needed in the 21st century.  Praise is a skill we give to children when they do something well or they've tried very hard to do well.  Your approval motivates them to continue to keep on trying.  Praise makes children proud. They want to do more and to do it better.

I have yet to be bored by someone paying me a compliment.  Psychology professor, Otto Van Isch

Praise defined:  words that express approval or admiration, e.g. for somebody’s achievements.  Praise is a zerO cost motivating solution. One of the 6 critical factors for successful coaches in a team based environment is praise.  A great coach gives positive feedback to motivate his players.  A great coach:

1. looks for opportunities to commend people publicly
2. rewards Outstanding Achievement
3. finds ways to recognize achievers in a public way
4. is consistent
5. looks for opportunities to praise people for their work (ref:  praise exercise below)

 F  exercise:  Develop Your “Praise” Phrases

Praise is a skill 21^st century leaders must acquire.  Brainstorm phrases you can use on / with your associates.  If it’s difficult, start with simple two word phrases:  good job, great job, add any positive adjective for the word job; atta boy, well done. Create a list of 20.  Use one every day. 

Praise is one of the most powerful methods of letting employees know they make a difference.  Praise is the opportunity to reward as soon as possible to the action, at zerO cost.  One of Dr. Deming’s people philosophies:  Every organization has undiscovered “gems” waiting to be discovered.  Two words are worth discovering those “gems”.