High-performing colleagues desire and deserve praise from their leaders. Team members feel appreciated and recognized for their work when they receive praise. While some people need more of it than others, no one outgrows the need to hear they are doing things well, especially from their leader.
When it is specific, the impact of praise is real. People repeat what they are praised for. When leaders want more of something good, praise reinforces the desire for team members to produce it.
As powerful as praise is, however, it is not as important as encouragement. Leaders who encourage express a confidence and conviction in people, not just what they do. Encouragement has a deeper long-term impact on people. The best leaders praise and encourage, but they see themselves in the role of encourager more often.
Although similar in some ways, encouragement and praise are very different. Both are positive messages, but praise looks backward while encouragement is forward-looking.
Praise reflects an acknowledgment of accomplishment, while encouragement builds confidence for the future and creates momentum for continued success. Praise is always given after the fact. Encouragement can be given at any time to boost confidence and express support.
Here’s the good news: Turning any statement of praise into encouragement only requires a shift in mindset and a few different words. Leaders can become more encouraging simply by going forward with their praise. “That was great work” becomes “Keep up the great work.” “You killed that presentation” becomes “That presentation was so good you should share it with others.” “You’re making progress” gets restated as “Keep going. You got this.”
When unattached to outcomes, encouragement underlines conviction in the person’s abilities in the future. Statements like, “I’m confident this is the start of something special,” and “You’re ready for this challenge,” work to motivate and inspire. Encouraging words put a spring into a team member’s step.
Encouragement and praise are different, but together pack a powerful punch. Great leaders give others both.
