Who in our midst doesn't want to receive compliments? OK, some of us are uncomfortable receiving compliments and respond with phrases such as "it was nothing" or "no big deal" or even an awkward "thanks." I am aware that while i find myself responding that way at times. Running a business, equally as in life, offering compliments could be powerful, and can greatly assist in aiding employee motivation. For compliments to be effective, though, they need to have several components:

1. They ought to be genuine and are available out of your heart. If you give compliments just to motivate employees, they will think what you are saying aren't authentic, and you won't get the value you intended.

2. Be specific. Don't just say "good job using the presentation." Let them know specifically how about the presentation was effective. Did they maintain the audience engaged? Was the content spot on? The harder specific you're, the greater the likelihood they are going to continue doing this same behavior.

3. Tell the recipient within the moment. If they are dressed especially nicely today, handled litigant situation masterfully, or you've noticed them working on improving their skills inside a specific area...whatever it is, tell them right them. The strength of the compliment is in the present, not a couple weeks from now once they won't even remember what they did.

4. Provide them with freely and often. You can't use compliments once a month and hope it helps with employee motivation. You need to provide them with freely and quite often. That is not to say every single day, or even weekly. Noticing what other people are doing and letting them know is impactful.

5. Encourage others to provide compliments. It certainly is nice to hear from the boss that they think you probably did something wonderful. It's exciting to listen to it from others...colleagues as well as other managers. In the event you produce a culture where personnel are encouraged to recognize each other's performance, it makes it effective beyond imagination.

6. Be cautious how many times you compliment. Yes, it is critical to recognize work done well, however, you don't wish to dilute the need for the compliment. Employee motivation will be lessened should you compliment just about everything. Recognize the important accomplishments and share your emotions on them.

Offering compliments may go a long way toward improving employee motivation, if they're used properly and at the right time. You could have trouble accepting compliments from others so that you find it equally hard to let them have. If you recognize yourself here, remember: You are not complimenting on just anything, but on items that the thing is as significant. Begin small when you have to, but start dishing out those compliments.