By Syed Zohaib Rizvi
During my bachelor’s, a memorable moment occurred when my management professor invited me to present to a different group of students. As he introduced me, he remarked, “Although I am his teacher, I am the one who learns from him.” Those words have stayed with me ever since. Hearing such a compliment from my professor filled me with immense joy and pride. That day, I not only delivered an impactful presentation but did so with unwavering confidence, enthusiasm, and motivation. Even now, reflecting on that moment brings me a deep sense of joy.
Throughout our lives, we receive all kinds of feedback, criticism, compliments, and applause. As humans, we naturally feel good when we are praised, appreciated, recognized, and adored. Effective business leaders are aware of this fact and try their best to be as motivating as possible for their team. However, only a few understand how to appreciate impactfully, which possibly leads to useful intrinsic motivation in others. I assert that, in Pakistan, not only should we be more generous in offering compliments, but we should also adorn those praises before offering them to the deserving. In my opinion, praise or applause is itself laudable and becomes more efficacious when:
It is authentic and heartfelt
Without a doubt, anything that is natural, honest, sincere, and pure has a unique appeal, leaving a lasting impact and carrying genuine value. In contrast, imitation and insincerity lack worth. This principle applies to compliments as well. When praise is rooted in truth, it becomes a heartfelt expression that deeply resonates with the recipient. Moreover, it elevates the one offering the compliment in the eyes of the person being praised. This is because, in such cases, the giver has genuinely observed and appreciated something remarkable before acknowledging it with sincere and candid words.
Consider a scenario where someone is a manager at a leading company in Pakistan. One of their team members, who reports directly to them, has demonstrated exceptional performance by going above and beyond to achieve set goals. As a leader, when choosing to offer praise, instead of using generic remarks such as “Good work!” or “Excellent performance,” a more meaningful compliment such as “I truly admire how proactively you handled everything” or “Your diligence stood out, and you exceeded expectations” will have a stronger impact. This is because, first, the manager has attentively recognized the employee`s efforts, and second, they have highlighted the specific qualities that made their performance exceptional.
It takes place in a public setting
Any form of recognition or praise gains prestige when it is given openly in front of others. During our school years, certificates of academic excellence were awarded publicly, serving several important purposes. Firstly, it instilled a sense of honor in the student receiving the recognition. Moreover, such acknowledgment acted as a motivation for others to strive for similar achievements. However, in Pakistan, particularly in corporate environments, this practice seems to have been overlooked. Criticism and advice are often given openly, while appreciation is restricted to private conversations or shared behind the recipient’s back. For effective leadership and enhanced productivity, this approach should be reversed. Praises should be public, while corrective feedback should be given in private.
Consider a hypothetical scenario where two companies follow different approaches to rewarding their top performers. One company gives bonuses, and salary increments to high achievers but does so without any formal acknowledgment of their good efforts. On the other hand, the other company regularly organizes events where employees are publicly recognized and awarded for their outstanding performance. Which company’s employees are likely to feel more motivated, satisfied, and driven to excel further? In my view, the company that openly appreciates and celebrates its employees’ achievements will have the upper hand in fostering happier and more productive workforce. In the long run, such recognition not only boosts employee morale but also leads to the company’s overall success.
It comes from a superior place
Another essential factor that enhances the value of a compliment is the stature of the person or entity offering it. Praise carries greater dignity and significance when it comes from someone who is more accomplished, in a higher position, or possesses greater expertise than the recipient. Such recognition not only captures widespread attention but also leaves a lasting impression on the person being praised. This principle is evident even in marketing, where celebrity endorsements are strategically done to increase product sales. As humans, we naturally admire and look up to successful individuals, holding them in high esteem. Thus, receiving compliments, endorsements, or recognition from such influential figures is often considered an achievement.
For instance, consider an oil company in Pakistan that has won a prestigious award for excellence in the oil sector. Now, imagine its Chief Executive Officer receiving this recognition certificate from the President of Pakistan in a public ceremony. Wouldn’t this be an extraordinary success for the company? In fact, such an honor would likely be showcased in the company’s annual reports and promotional materials as a testament to its success. This kind of recognition not only motivates the company to maintain its high standards but also inspires other companies in the industry to strive for similar excellence and accolades. This exemplifies the power of compliment, acknowledgment, or applause when it comes from a person or entity of higher stature or authority.
Closing thoughts
Compliments and recognition carry significant influence in both personal and professional spheres, often leading to the success or failure of organizations such as companies and institutions. Applauding others not just uplifts the recipient but also is advantageous for the one giving the praise. Thus it is essential to be generous in giving recognition while ensuring that such praise carries genuine substance to hold a meaningful impact. For compliments to be truly effective, they must be grounded in sincerity and authenticity. They should be expressed openly and ideally come from a position of higher authority or expertise. In essence, praise should itself be worthy of admiration. Given its importance, it should be offered frequently and with enthusiasm. In the words of Zeg Ziglar,
“A sincere compliment is one of the most effective tools to teach and motivate others.”
