The Power of Positive Praise

Leadership Challenge ForumAugust 5, 2010

Take This Quick Quiz1. The US Department of Labor recently

reported that the number one reason people leave an organization is:

A. The pay is not good enough.B. Someone else got a promotion and not

them.C. They don’t feel appreciated.D. They want better benefits.

Take This Quick Quiz2. According to a recent Gallup Poll, what

percentage of the American workforce received NO praise or recognition in the last year?

A. 25%B. 45%C. 65%D. 85%

Take This Quick Quiz3. According to the Gallup Corporation’s

research of 5 million employees worldwide, the frequency of praise and recognition in the workplace should be no less than:

A. One time per dayB. One time per weekC. One time per monthD. One time per quarter

Take This Quick Quiz4. Researchers have determined for healthy

relationships the perfect ratio of positive comments to negative comments is:

A. 1 to 1B. 3 to 1C. 5 to 1D. 10 to 1

Take This Quick Quiz5. Cigarette smoking has been shown to

decrease life expectancy by 5.5 years, but a recent Mayo Clinic study showed that positive emotion can increase life expectancy by:

A. 4 yearsB. 6 yearsC. 8 yearsD. 10 years

12: The Elements of Great Managing

“Because of its power, ridiculously low cost and rarity, praise and recognition

is one of the greatest lost opportunities in the business world today.”

Positive Praise DOs and DON’Ts

1. Speak the truth.

2. Be specific.

3. Use the right “currency.”

Affirmation Matrix

Spoken Written

Public Private

Expected Unexpected

Professional Personal

Positive Praise DOs and DON’Ts

1. Speak the truth.

2. Be specific.

3. Use the right “currency.”

4. Don’t correct.

5. Don’t say, “Keep it up!”

Praise will not work when . . .

1. You need to apologize first

2. You’re looking for a quick fix

3. Talent is not aligned to task

4. It’s the only communication tool you use

Weekly Affirmation RegisterTeam Member Responsibilitie

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