Is everything praise worthy?

Last week I was coaching a client who as a leader was having a challenge creating a balanced and supportive feedback environment for their unit.

I told them that praising specifically but criticizing generally would do the trick and this is why...

Praising specifically provides targeted positive reinforcement, boosts confidence and encourages repeated positive behavior while criticizing generally addresses areas for improvement without singling out individuals therefore promoting a collaborative and growth-oriented atmosphere.

So  how do we do this practically ?

Praise Specifically:

1.    Reinforcement of Positive Behavior:

·       Reason: Specific praise reinforces the exact behaviors or actions that you want to encourage. It acknowledges and highlights what was done well.

·       Example: "I appreciate how you took the initiative to organize the team meeting, ensuring that everyone was on the same page. Your proactive approach significantly contributed to the project's success."

2.    Boosts Confidence:

·       Reason: Specific praise provides individuals with a clear understanding of their strengths and accomplishments, boosting their confidence.

·       Example: "Your presentation skills during the client meeting were outstanding. The way you articulated the key points and answered questions demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism."

3.    Encourages Repetition of Positive Actions:

·       Reason: By praising specific actions, you encourage the individual to repeat those behaviors in the future.

·       Example: "I noticed how effectively you handled the customer complaint. Your empathetic communication and swift resolution not only satisfied the customer but also showcased your excellent customer service skills."

Criticize Generally:

1.    Maintains Positive Relationship:

·       Reason: General criticism helps to address areas for improvement without singling out individuals, preserving positive relationships.

·       Example: "As a team, we need to enhance our communication to avoid misunderstandings. Let's focus on being more proactive in sharing updates and information."

2.    Promotes Collective Responsibility:

·       Reason: General criticism encourages a sense of collective responsibility for improvement. Team members are more likely to work together to address common challenges.

·       Example: "Our project timelines have been slipping recently. Let's collectively assess our workflow and identify areas where we can improve efficiency to meet deadlines more consistently."

3.    Reduces Defensive Reactions:

·       Reason: General criticism minimizes the likelihood of individuals feeling personally attacked, reducing defensive reactions and promoting a more open dialogue about improvement.

·       Example: "We've noticed a decline in the quality of our deliverables. Let's collectively review our processes to identify areas where we can raise the overall standard of our work."