10/30/2010 
“Everybody loves to be told they are pretty.” A friend once told me that when I asked him why he kept playing golf with a competitive company.
Here is what he knew, there is incredible power in a compliment. In a positive sense, it can make people accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible. In a negative sense, it can make people do destructive things such as leaving their families for lesser alternatives and damaging future generations.
I got some very nice compliments a person I respect today. Here is are some truths about compliments that I was reminded of:
- Compliments validate your efforts.
- Compliments mean more coming from some people than others, especially those who are selective with praise.
- Compliments should be specific.
- Compliments should never come rarely.
- Compliments are a sign of generosity.
- Compliments are motivating and can sustain high performance.
- Compliments make me temporarily forget any pain and frustration I’m feeling.
- Compliments should never be used as manipulation.
- Compliments are extremely well received when given publicly.
- Compliments are desperately needed.
Husbands, a word of warning for you. If you don’t compliment your wife, someone else with less than pure motives will. Remember, everyone wants to be told they are pretty.
Leaders, have you given your team members the gift of a compliment lately?
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Brian Dodd On Leadership 
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Brian
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Very pefect point of view. thanks for sharing
Great post.
“Compliments are a sign of generosity.” Never thought of it that way but that is a good word!
Mark,
It is great to hear from you. It has always been my experience that if a person is not generous with praise, they will not be generous in general.
If a person has a clenched fist and holds things tight and in a selfish manner, I’m afraid they are that way with praise.
Keep doing all that you are at http://www.iwasbrokenowimnot.com. You are changing lives!
Your friend,
Brian
Stephanie2660 We need more of these in the world!- RT @BrianKDodd: The Incredible Power Of A Compliment: http://wp.me/pVReH-xC is a must read for
I applaud this post and will share it with my online connections — hope all will take it to heart. If more people, personally and professionally, took time to give compliments we would live in a much more harmonious world.
In workplaces, many leaders are afraid to give individual compliments fearing it will undermine teamwork. They live with the old “there is no I in team” theory. Yet teams are filled with the talent of “I’s” and individual compliments build greater commitment.
Here is a post expanding your idea on the value of compliments:
—–
Complimenting Individual Strengths Does Not Hurt Teamwork
Many thanks for your wonderful post.
Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach
Kate,
Thank you for your comments and link to your blog. I love it when people expand on my thoughts and make them better. You’ve done that and I appreciate it. I checked out your website and enjoyed it. Thanks for the value you add and keep up the great work!
Brian
You are welcome Brian. I love it when there is open intelligent exchange of ideas among experts.
Best-
Kate