5 Ways to Praise a Child
Great Parent, Great Model : Give the Right Love Language
Today I'm asking a powerful question: how does one become successful and be a good parent?
It's a great question, because we're either parents OR we're a child of a parent, and then we get to see what they've done or they didn't do, and what we'vedone—or are not doing. It will be a reflection of what we believe and our behavior.
Mark Twain said: “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
All of us crave for positive affirmations in life, especially affirmations from those who matter. Praise has a strong power over our performance, effectiveness and happiness. People influence and inspire us by their words. We become what we are encouraged to become.
There are some of us who glow in the toil and labour of others. We do nothing to earn praises by ourselves but grab the praises form others. Praises will come if we are honest and hardworking. We are afraid of criticisms both just and unjust ones. We protest against unjust remarks but accept very gladly unearned applause. Don’t wait for others to praise you and appreciate you but do your best and the praises and recognition will follow soon.
A person with high self-esteem and self-acceptance doesn’t bother about the praises of others. He is contented and happy with the way he is and the opinions of others have very little impact on him. But for most of us a word of appreciation from our superiors and colleagues is a balm that can cure, inspire and encourage us to perform better.
However, we are always taught that we need to earn out applause through hard work.
Praises are important
We are the products of the encouragement and praises that we received from our parents, teachers, relatives and friends. With social media today, we grave for the "likes" and "comments" whenever we post something. As we grow up, however, instead of freeing ourselves of this bondage of looking for praises, we begin to look for praises and appreciation whenever we do something good and we become less effective if we don’t find praises on the way. We are so much addicted to praise that we do everything for praise. This is "Praise" Addiction!
According to William James, the great psychologist and philosopher, what every genuine person craves for most in life is praise. People are ready to sacrifice their lives for honour, praise and recognition.
Often we wait for people to die to praise them. Begin to praise them when they are alive.
Benefits of Praising
- It makes us more innovative and creative
Praises can create an innovative, productive and friendly work atmosphere.
When people are appreciated they become more positive and productive and they lead a happy life.
Praise assures the absence of fear. Innovation and creativity will flourish only in the absence of fear. When people are praised for their effort and are appreciated for their sincere labour they become more innovative and creative.
- It makes us more positive and self-confident
Both the one who gives praises and the one who receives praises become positive persons. It’s never expensive but contributes greatly to our organizations. It may be a word in the ear, a smile, an affirmative look that is all needed to give the employee that self-confidence. We become people of positive self-esteem and become excellent assets. Praise from others is the nourishment for our desire for self-esteem.
- It improves our productivity
Use your praises when people accomplish something; praise them even when they fail so that they do better in future.
Praise is not a shallow blah blah; it has a purpose as to improve employee morale and productivity. If you want that magic to happen in your company then the magic factor is praise. Praise is priceless and it doesn’t cost anything to your company. But if you don’t use it then you may lose a treasure.
How to praise?
- Praise generously
Be generous with your praises. Praise your employees and colleagues. They deserve it. But never be partial in praising only your friends; be consistent, impartial and fair in the use of praises. Praise your employees and their hard work. Praise them for their personal gifts to the organization and praise them for their contributions.
- Use praises fairly
Treat all fairly. No place for bullying and for discriminations of any sort while praising people. Greet people when you meet them. Say “thank you”, “please”, “sorry” etc. These may look simple behaviours but make significant difference in our lives and in the way we think and feel about our work. Praise a person who comes on time, who never gossips, who is never absent and who sees positive in everyone. Praise only those who deserve; remember he who praises everybody praises nobody.
- Use praise as a motivator
Recognizing a person’s success and effort is one of the best motivators. Only a motivated person can make things happen. When we respect and recognize we tell them that they matter to us and are important in our organization. This is the greatest motivator. A word of encouragement especially in the moment of failure is worth more than a whole volume of praise after a success.
- Be credible and sincere in your praises
A phony praise will have an adverse effect and will de-motivate them. Praise underserved is a satire in disguise. Respect the uniqueness of everyone. Recognize their contribution and individuality and praise sincerely. Also praising an employee too often lowers down its importance.
- Praise in public
Praise in public but punish in private. This is very important.
Any corrections should always be given in private. We can praise a person face to face, through a formal letter, an email, a phone call, by writing a note of appreciation or by saying a thank you etc. but the best way is to praise them in public.
