What is happening in our world? We are presently experiencing an epidemic of destructive criticism and personal condemnation, which demoralizes, tears down, and destroys people. We are constantly told what we must not do, but not told enough about what we can do. We are reminded of all of our shortcomings and rarely of our good qualities. We hear so much of the bad and so little of the good. The world is cold and gray, man is wolf to man, and life is nothing other than bleak. In this toxic environment, people are starving for something else.
Part of that something else is praise. People want recognition of their good qualities and accomplishments, both great and small, and you can give them that recognition. Praise builds people up and strengthens our relationships with them. Praise makes people feel worthy and valued.
Simply stated, praising the good can increase the good.
Praise is desirable in motivating individuals and groups. Whether teaching, coaching, counseling, parenting, supervising, or leading, acknowledging the performance of those we observe or interact with is of immense benefit to them and to our relationships with them. However, instead of always using well-worn expressions such as, “Good,” try working some of the following praises into your interactions.
Part of that something else is praise. People want recognition of their good qualities and accomplishments, both great and small, and you can give them that recognition. Praise builds people up and strengthens our relationships with them. Praise makes people feel worthy and valued.
Simply stated, praising the good can increase the good.
Praise is desirable in motivating individuals and groups. Whether teaching, coaching, counseling, parenting, supervising, or leading, acknowledging the performance of those we observe or interact with is of immense benefit to them and to our relationships with them. However, instead of always using well-worn expressions such as, “Good,” try working some of the following praises into your interactions.
| Absolutely the best! Admirable. Aren’t you all gussied up today? Awesome! Beaucoup kudos! Beautiful. Best yet. Bravo! Brilliant. Clearly a superior job. Clever! Commendable. Congratulations! Couldn’t have done it better myself. Cream of the crop. Do your best. Dynamite! Everyone is working so hard. Excellent choice, sir / madam. Excellent! Exceptional. Exemplary. Extraordinary. Fabulous. Fantastic job! Fantastic! Fine workmanship. Fine! First-class. First-rate. | Flawless. Good for you! Good going! Good helper. Good progress. Good show. Good thinking! Good work! Great! I am glad you are in my life. I am on your side. I am proud of you. I am very proud of you. I am with you. I appreciate your hard work. I believe in you. I knew you could do it. I like it. I like the way you are working. I like your style. I love it! I wish I had more employees like you! I’m happy to see you working like that. I’m proud of the way you worked today. I’m so proud of you! Impressive. Keep it up! |
| Keep up the good work! Looking good. Looking sharp. Magnificent. Marvelous! Meritorious. More than equal to expectations. Much better! Nice going. Nice work Nicely done. Nifty. Not bad. Nothing can stop you now! Now that’s what I call a fine job! Now you have it! Now you’ve figured it out. Now you’ve got the hang of it. Outstanding! Perfect! Phenomenal. Praiseworthy. Primo. Right on! See what you can do when you try. Sensational! Singular. Smart. Spectacular. Splendid! Splendiferous! Stellar performance. Super job. Super! Superb! Terrific! Thanks for the support. Thanks, everybody, you are all so very helpful! That is better than ever. That is great! That is it! That is really nice. That’s coming along nicely. That’s fantastic! That’s perfect. That’s so good! That’s the best you’ve ever done. That’s the right way to do it. That’s the way to do it. That’s the way! The world is a better place with you in it! The world needs more people like you. Top-notch. Tremendous! Way to be! Way to go! We couldn’t have done it without you. We need more like you. Well done. Well, look at you go! Wonderful grades. Wonderful! Wow! You aced it. | You are a class act. You are a good friend. You are a joy to be around! You are a man / woman wise beyond your years. You are a marvel. You are a real great person to have around! You are a real pro. You are a real professional. You are a valued member of the team. You are a winner. You are doing that much better today. You are incredible! You are looking dapper. You are one of life’s little gems. You are really learning a lot. You are so helpful! You are so kind! You are so smart. You are so thoughtful! You are special! You are very good at that. You brighten my day! You can do it. You did it that time! You did that very well. You figured that out fast. You got it right. You have a great attitude! You haven’t missed a thing. You made my day! You make it look easy. You make me smile! You must have been practicing! You outdid yourself today! You shine! You’re #1! You’re a shining star! You’re a star student! You’re a tribute to humankind! You’re amazing. You’re doing a great job. You’re doing beautifully. You’re doing fine. You’re first class all the way. You’re getting better every day. You’re great. You’re groovy. You’re incredible. You’re learning fast. You’re number one! You’re on the right track now! You’re really improving. You’re really working hard today. You’re sharp as tacks. You’re smart. You’re so talented! You’re the best! You’ve got that down pat! You’ve just about got it. You’ve just about mastered that! Your accomplishment is, like, so stellar! Your hard work finally paid off. Your work is top-notch. |
The above list is far, far from complete, and likely could use some improvements. What words of encouragement have you used with people that you would like to add?
by David Hugh Beaumont
David Hugh Beaumont was born in 1966 in the United States of America. He is a website content creator, a graphic designer, a photographer, a writer, a researcher, and an editor.
