Give a compliment to a workmate
How good does it feel to receive a compliment at work? We
feel seen, valued and appreciated. Physically, our brain’s response is the same
as being paid monetary rewards.
Giving a compliment improves your mood too, research finds,
and can strengthen your relationships at work. So why not we do it more?
According to research, it is usually because of two reasons:
Imposter syndrome. If we do not feel competent enough in a
specific subject, skill or area of expertise, we lack confidence to compliment
someone on that subject.
Underestimating the impact. It is easy to underestimate the
impact of a compliment on others and we can quickly talk our way out of it. We
might believe that the recipient will think we are being insincere, causing us
to stay silent.
However reluctant you may feel, giving a compliment will
rarely backfire.
How to give a compliment
The best compliments are specific rather than general, says Smiling Mind. Rather than saying ‘good job!’ or ‘nice one!’, think through what you would like to say.
- Make it personal to your workmate by highlighting what skills or qualities they showed, and when and how they displayed them.
- Be authentic. Use words and body language that is typical for your relationship with that person.
- Keep the compliment to the point. Brief, specific compliments will appear more genuine that lots of general praise.
Go ahead and give a compliment today. It is the gift that will cost you nothing.