The art of writing a good praise message often leaves many second-guessing their words.
Fear not, for every praise is a step towards a more engaged and connected team. Here’s how to master this art with warmth and professionalism.
First and foremost, remember that the intention behind a praise outweighs perfection. If you’re contemplating whether your praise message is good enough or relevant enough, you’re already on the right track by simply considering it.
The act of starting is what matters most. The warmth and authenticity of your message will resonate more than its eloquence.
And if you ever feel like something was left unsaid or someone was left out, LiftUp offer the flexibility to edit your praise later, ensuring your appreciation is always on the point.
To elevate your praise from good to great, consider these key elements:
Be Precise: Avoid generic expressions of gratitude. Specify the action or behavior you’re acknowledging. This clarity not only makes your praise more meaningful but also personalizes the appreciation.
Highlight the Impact: Describe how the actions of the individual or team have positively affected you or your work environment. Understanding the impact of their efforts adds value and significance to your praise.
Warmth and Authenticity: Your praise should reflect genuine appreciation. If you’re naturally more reserved, there’s no need to overdo the enthusiasm. Authenticity shines through when you express gratitude in a way that’s true to your character. Regularly giving praise can help you find your unique voice in showing appreciation.
Incorporate External References: If there’s a story, a project, or an event that inspired your praise, share a link or a reference to it. This context enriches your message and allows others to appreciate the full scope of the achievement. In LiftUp you can add a link by simple pasting an URL into the praise message box.
Celebrate the Unseen: Praise that bring to light efforts or contributions that were previously unnoticed are incredibly impactful. Highlighting these unsung heroes or hidden efforts can inspire and motivate the entire team.
Public Recognition: Sharing praise publicly amplifies their effect. Public recognition not only boosts the recipient’s morale but also encourages a culture of appreciation within the organization. This visibility can inspire others to recognize and appreciate the contributions of their colleagues, creating a ripple effect of positivity.
A weak praise might say,
“Thanks for being a good team mate! #care-taker.”
While the intention is good, it lacks specificity and impact.
A stronger praise would be,
“Thanks for unloading the dishwasher every morning! Leads to a much cleaner kitchen throughout the day! #unsung-hero.”
This praise is specific, acknowledges the impact, and highlights an often-overlooked contribution, making it far more meaningful and impactful.
But remember, the most important part of giving a praise is to actually give it!
