Dear List member,

The Value of Praise

Take a moment and think of times in your life when you have been praised. Remember how it feels? That ten-feet tall feeling, that smile that starts on your face and seems to wrap all round you, that inner assurance of your own worth? Are you smiling now as you remember?

Doses of praise build up confidence.  Everybody who, at any time of life, has been encouraged, had an achievement recognised or felt any kind of pat on the back - they have received a gift beyond price: a deposit in the bank of self-esteem.

Let's take a break from the destructive criticism that is all around and so easy to join in. Think instead of how you might increase someone's self-esteem with a little well deserved praise - look for opportunities to do it. Here are some suggestions:

Ways to praise:

    - with words
    - with a bunch of flowers or a present
    - in a letter, in a card
    - in an email - or even in a text or message
    - over a glass of wine or a meal
    - with a little scribbled note, on the doormat, on
      the pillow
    - with a treat (especially for children)
    - with a promotion
    - with a hug

Changing your world

The praise habit can lead to
    - a happier home
    - a happier group
    - a happier workforce

Bosses who praise their staff have a happier workforce. Much more is achieved because staff know they are valued. Well surprise, surprise...

• Parents who praise their children have a happier family
• Partners who praise each other have a happier relationship
• Friends who praise each other keep their friendship warm
• Praising people who provide a service produces a better service

Have you ever thought of praising your boss? She (or he) is human too. Did she run that last project well? Did he give you good advice or a great opportunity?  Perhaps you could find a way to give a little sincere praise.

Praising children

The self-esteem children develop from being praised can set them up for life. For some practical suggestions take a look at No School For Parents.  The Questionnaire for Kids on the second page could enable your kids to help you get it right. It's great for opening up communication with teenagers...

Praising yourself

Why not?  Make yourself feel good - you'll walk taller and be more effective.

You could make a list of achievements - take your time - think about them - be proud.

Ask others about your positive qualities - you might be surprised to learn what they value about you.

Compliments

Compliments are lovely little spontaneous gifts of praise, and we Brits are not very good at receiving them. We giggle, we blush, we deprecate; in our embarrassment we may even be rather rude.

So next time you get a compliment, try this instead:
    - take a deep breath
    - smile (and make eye contact if you can)
    - say "Thank you, how nice of you to say so"
And that's all.

Not that difficult really, and practice makes perfect.

The other thing is to practice giving compliments - but do make sure you always mean what you say.

Self-successful thinking

"A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success" - Anon
 
"Get someone else to blow your horn and the sound will carry twice as far" - Will Rogers
 
"It's never too late to be who you want to be" - George Eliot.

Speaking and workshops

Note: Sheila is happy to tailor talks and/or workshops to the particular needs of your company or group.

For more information or to make a booking call Sheila on 01245 361 274,
email or visit the website

About Sheila

It was through her own life-changing experiences that Sheila was drawn to her current work of helping other people to reach new levels of achievement in their lives.

Her clients range from NHS decision makers to professional mentors - all of whom have gone away fired up and ready to use the new skills, attitudes and wisdom gained from a session with Sheila.

Friendly and approachable, with a professional business background, Sheila gives people the courage and confidence to believe they can face their own challenges. And she does it in a most entertaining and memorable way.

Last word

November can be beautiful, November can be very glum indeed, but whatever the weather I hope you will enjoy cheering somebody up by giving them some deserved but unexpected praise. Your reward will be the look on their face - and that will brighten your day too.

By the next issue Christmas will be coming, and we'll be talking about 'Enjoying the company of family and friends'. And if you'd like to respond to this issue, please follow this link!

We respect your privacy. You have received this email because you have been in contact with us before. If you have received it in error, or do not wish to receive further emails, simply choose the 'leave this list' link below and you will automatically be removed from our mailing list.

Success and Harmony
End House, The Street
Little Waltham, Essex CM3 3NT
Tel: 01245 361 274

Powered by Newsletter Genie