Day 11/365 - Praise

I think one of the best spillovers from 2017 are the connections I made. Friends who are all over the world who I cannot see physically, but are pretty dear to me because they inspire me to become better. In today's world, whatsapp allows us to converse real time. It is something I truly appreciate. I rather be physically apart and connected, rather than be physically together yet world's apart.

A dear friend of mine shared this piece of inspiration today. "It has been scientifically proven that praise, rather than criticism, is the best way to help employees improve". In my world, there are no employees. I prefer it that way. It is a burden to organisations to continue sheltering low/non performing employees. It is a pain to the entrepreneur's pocket. The biggest overhead in any business is rent, staffing and utilities.

Ironically, a bad habit for employees is to stay mediocre. Do just enough so that they don't get fired and not rise higher because the unnecessary stress would be more. Well.. as that employee, it will be detrimental to your well-being in the long run, because that mentality kills your ability to win. Winners are not mediocre. They win because they are the best. Though I completely understand the complex dynamics of human resource and the vast scarcity-mentality of many people in power; it is also highly subjective to each individual whether he/she cultivates the sustainability of winning.

That's why I no longer have employees. I only have partners. But back to topic, Praise. As a society, many are not used to this simple act. We are stingy on giving praise and we feel shy or uncomfortable accepting praises. I do the praise game often in my trainings. Some people just can't bring themselves to praise. Many feel uncomfortable in both giving and receiving praises. Everyone feels good after. It is an exercise we need to cultivate. How to praise well and give deserving feedback.

So I started thinking this morning. How can I move my team to become the best they can be in my business? I figured; to understand them, their needs, their desires, their limitations; strengths, weaknesses and where are their opportunities. Then work with them to devise a weekly strategy. There! Awesome stuff to work on for the week!

If you think it would work for you, feel free to take it on and implement it, too! Praise more 😄😊