Compliments are a wonderful thing; they can give you a boost whether you give them or receive them. But we can be pretty bad at both. Just telling someone they are wearing a pretty scarf, or that the piece of work they gave you was exactly what you were looking for, can go a long way. I met someone the other day who teaches people to train others for her company. One of the best tools she feels to help someone get the message is known as a ‘Praise Sandwich’. She swears by it. If you want someone to feel good about themselves, but they need to change something then give them the negative feedback sandwiched between two positive comments.
Let me give you an example…
‘I love the colors on that painting; they really work. You might like to just review the way you have drawn the hand there, but the head is really good…’ you get the idea.
Now what would this make you think? Rather than concentrating solely on the hand in the drawing, you would feel happy that they liked the way you had drawn the whole thing. You may also feel more inclined about doing something about that hand. If the person had said to you; “Well that hand doesn’t really look like a hand, does it? But the colors are ok.” you would probably want to defend your hand, and get annoyed with the person. You wouldn’t really remember that they said the colors are ok.
People are more inclined to listen to you if they don’t feel you are criticizing them. If you show value to what they have done or what they look like it makes them feel a lot more inclined to do something about that little nagging problem.
What’s the best way to give a compliment?
Always make sure you sound sincere when you pass a flattering remark about someone. It’s easy to give unintended offence if the person thinks you are being less than truthful. Always make sure the compliment fits the setting, it’s sometimes not a good idea to pass a personal comment about your boss, even if it is a good one.
It’s also not a good idea to compare their work, or that person, to someone else, that could end up being bad for a lot of people. Not only could you upset the person you are talking to you could also hurt the person you are talking about!
Giving compliments to people can be beneficial for you as well. It can give you a sense of happiness that you went a little way to make somebody’s day a little more pleasant. You have injected a little positivity into their lives.
And what about when somebody gives you a compliment!
How well do you take them? The best way to receive a compliment is with a sincere “Thank you, I appreciate it.” Often we can try and brush off a compliment someone gives us through embarrassment or maybe we don’t agree. But just be polite, remember how it feels, we are more inclined to be nice to people who are nice to us.
Sometimes they can be hidden in our conversation and we don’t even see them. Sometimes your boss can give you some extra work to do, which you don’t normally have to do. Think about it. Would they have asked you to do it if they didn’t think you could? Maybe this is their way of telling you they think you’re doing a good job and can stretch your horizons.
Compliments are a great key to our happiness. Whether you are complimenting somebody else or have been complimented for your new coat, accept them for what they are, a sign of appreciation.
When is the last time you complimented someone or you received a compliment?
I’d love to hear about it and how it raised your happiness.
Debbie
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
Thank you very much and yes, I shall continue to post.
You have a wonderful weekend and stay happy,
Debbie
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Thanks. I am just trying to plant the right seeds and hoping when I water them they will grow.
May you be blessed with happiness in the harvest and all year long.
Debbie
This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
Compliments can go a long way and I appreciate yours. You have a wonderful week and may happiness always be yours.
Debbie
Great blog! I actually love how it is simple on my eyes and the data is well written. I am wondering how I can be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which really should do the trick! Have a nice day!
Thank you very much. The RSS feed should do the trick for you. If you would like to pick up my free e-book I do send out emails ever 5 days that there is a new post.
I like your party supplies. They are really nice. thanks for dropping by and you also have a nice day.
Debbie
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Good luck with your site and thanks many bunches.
Debbie
I admit, I have not been on this webpage in a long time… however it was another joy to see It is this kind of an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people a lot more aware of feasible issueGreat stuff as usual…
Thanks for the kind words. You are doing a great job if this is spam. Have to give credit where credit is do.
Have a very happy day.
Debbie
You may have not intended to do so, but I think you’ve managed to express the state of mind that a lot of individuals are in. The sense of wanting to help, but not knowing how or where, is something lots of us are going via.
Not bad for being thrown into my spam file. I’ll give it to you. Next time though I would appreciate it if you tried just a little harder. More on my subject instead of very general. At least I had to smile at your attempt.
Debbie
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Thank you. I would be the author, know one else. I sure could have used some of those grants years ago when I was a single mother. Keep up the good work, single mothers need you.
Debbie
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Hi Ima,
Thanks you very much for the nice words. How is the plumbing business going in the UK for you. Hope things are doing good. It is a business that is always need. Have a wonderful day.
Debbie
Thanks again for the blog article.Much thanks again.
Thanks Kasandra and you have a great day.
Debbie
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Thank you very much for your point of view. Have a good day.
Debbie