ICRAVE Encouragement and Praise

Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize. – Elizabeth Harrison.

Encouragement: Without it, people often find themselves lost in the mire of life.  Without it, companies chug along, barely existing above the bottom line.  It is the catalyst to success, the engine of motivation, and the fuel that prepares great leaders.  Encouragement has dynamic power.  It can be an uplifting word, an aptly given praise, or a well-placed compliment.  There is something about a positive word that carries with it a surge of energy.  Almost every recognized leader could point back to a significant person who, through a word of encouragement, helped to make his or her dreams come true.

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you.  Criticize me, and I may not like you.  Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.  Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”  – William Arthur Ford

Re-source: Reward

We can use either condemnation (negative motivations) or praise (positive motivations).

“You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now.  How?  By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged.  Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” – Dale Carnegie                                                 

  • Encourage others with purpose
  • Focus your praise
  • Give praise in public
  • Give genuine compliments
  • Children are hungry for the approval and praise of their parents

Praise is probably the most economic form of employee motivation available, and also one of the best. Praise and encouragement in the workplace has been proven to:

  • Reinforce a positive organizational culture.
  • Support company objectives and increase morale.
  • Retain the top performers.
  • Increase the overall enjoyment of the workplace.

craving and resource from “Am I Making Myself Clear?” By Terry Felber

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