An encouraging word is always welcome

How often do you give your colleagues a pat on the back for a job well done? Maybe you try to remember to compliment people who report to you, because you’ve read that this helps develop teamwork. But what about your peers?

You know how much work it can be putting a written report together, or delivering a presentation to a group, or meeting a tight deadline. Next time one of your colleagues does a good job in one of those areas, or any other for that matter, why not tell him or her so?

“Good job on that presentation, Janice!”

“Tom, that report was really well written. I found it easy to follow and practical.”

“Wow, Linda, I never thought we could get all those orders packed and sent out on time. You and your team did a great job!”

It doesn’t take a moment to do this, and costs nothing at all. But it makes Janice, Tom and Linda feel good. It might even make their day. And they’ll think more of you because you took a moment to recognize their good work. Like smiles, compliments don’t exist until they are given away, and like smiles, they bring pleasure to both the giver and the receiver.