The Meaning of "Praise"

Last time, I focused on the act of scolding. After scolding, let's make sure to praise.

It is often said that "people these days are the type who grow when praised, so you shouldn't scold them too harshly." This is the same way of thinking as when trying to increase sales at a store.

When trying to increase store sales, rather than putting effort into selling slow-moving products to try and raise the baseline, it is far easier, more comfortable, and faster to increase sales by making adjustments to popular items that are already selling well, such as moving them to a better location or making the POP displays larger and easier to see.

Similarly, people grow better when you praise and develop their strengths rather than scolding and trying to change the things they are not doing well or are lacking in.

Before listing the points on how to praise, I remembered the words of Isoroku Yamamoto, so I will write the full text first.

<Praise specifically>

It feels good to be praised, but if you don't know what you are being praised for, it won't lead to your next effort. Furthermore, vague praise is not satisfying. You should properly point out and praise exactly what you noticed and what was good.

<Don't overlook small growth>

It is rare for a person's growth to take a big leap all at once. Usually, it happens step by step, confirming progress little by little. At these times, the person may feel some anxiety. If you notice and praise them right when they are thinking, "Was this okay?" or "Did I do it right?", they will feel, "They were watching me," "This was the right way," and "Okay, I'll keep going," which will further accelerate their growth.

<Praise the process>

There are times when someone is working hard but things don't go well. Rather than pointing out the failed result, if you look at and praise the process of their hard work, they can reflect by thinking, "My direction isn't wrong," or "Then, what went wrong?" You should also watch them while they are in the middle of doing something.

<Praise when you notice>

When praising, the moment you notice is the perfect opportunity. This is because the moment you notice it yourself is when you are most moved. Offer your praise before that emotion fades. It will be something completely different from saying it long after you've forgotten.

<Share the joy together>

When you notice a subordinate's growth, you feel happy too. Honestly convey that and share the joy together. Doing so will likely create a sense of unity.

<Thank you>

While your subordinate is working positively, say "thank you" whenever the opportunity arises. There is nothing embarrassing about it. The word "thank you" is a magic word. Let's use it more and more.

<NG ways to praise>

I will list a few ineffective ways of praising that you should be careful about.

• It becomes flattery. This actually makes the person feel like they are being mocked.

• Condescending tone. Being praised in a patronizing way is just unpleasant.

• Praising as if it were thanks to you. In the end, it doesn't feel like you are being praised at all.

• Praising only the appearance. The person will think, "Don't you see what's on the inside?"

• Praising personality. The person will think, "Just look at the work I'm actually doing."

• Praising by comparing them to others. It gives me the chills just thinking about being in that position myself.

I have written down what I noticed above. Responding appropriately, whether by praising or scolding, is what matters most. And what is essential is your own growth. If you only worry about others, you will be left behind.

I also wrote about this in a previous article, "There Are Study Topics Everywhere," so please refer to that.

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