Praise Project People
From the Project Your Voice Blog
by Stéphane Parent
Understanding that what we say and how we say it has a great influence on our project stakeholders.
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One of the most important roles as project managers is helping people on the project feel appreciated. When you lift people up, you give them self-esteem and self-confidence. This, in turn, boosts morale and motivation. So how do we go about praising people?
First of all, be specific. Don't say "good job!" That's not praise, that's whitewashing. Point out the exact event or step and impress upon the person what a difference it made it in your life. You can describe one or two attributes to which you and everyone else can relate.
Finally, express the debt you owe the person, even it's only one of gratitude. Then see the person's smile and beaming eyes. You get so much more out of praising someone that what you put in. Who have you praised lately?
Posted on: January 25, 2020 03:30 PM |
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Comments (13)
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Luis Branco
CEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, Ldª
Carcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Dear Stéphane
Interesting is your perspective on the theme: "Praise Project People"
Thanks for sharing
Important point to consider: "First of all, be specific. Don't say" good job! "That's not praise, that's whitewashing. Point out the exact event or step and impress upon the person what a difference it made it in your life "
Drew Craig
Sr. Agile & Product Coach| Vanguard
Philadelphia, Pa, United States
Powerful to show explicit appreciation all around; workplace and outside. Hopefull a natural characteristic, not a checklist item :)
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Great point Stephane. I will certainly keep that in mind. Cheers. !
Stéphane Parent
Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker
Prince Edward Island, Canada
My pleasure, Luis. Do you also have rules for praising people?
Stéphane Parent
Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Public or private praise is truly powerful, Andrew. While the praise should be sincere, there is nothing wrong about setting reminders.
Stéphane Parent
Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Thanks, Rami. What is your experience with praising people?
LORI WILSON
RETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint Health
Clarkston, Wa, United States
Hello Stéphane: You are exactly right - genuine praise and appreciation goes a long ways. A long time ago, I read in a book called The Carrot Principle that a vast majority of people would rather feel appreciated than make more money! It is very important to take time as a project manager to acknowledge others. Praise is important - thank you for making this point in your post!
Stéphane Parent
Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Glad to hear that praise is part of your routine. I'm curious to know if your own experience supports the Carrot Principle?
LORI WILSON
RETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint Health
Clarkston, Wa, United States
Hello Stéphane: No, I'd rather have the money! Ha! Actually, feeling appreciated is very important to me. It helps me know I'm on the right track and increases my energy for what is ahead.
Stéphane Parent
Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker
Prince Edward Island, Canada
That's a good point, Lori. In a sense, money as a reward is an end in itself. Praise on the other hand, is much more a catalyst and enabler to continued learning and growth.
Tracey Riley
Project Manager| Start Early
Chicago, Il, United States
Not only is it important to praise and acknowledge team members as a project manager, but also encouraging the team to show this type of gratitude and appreciation for EACHOTHER!
Thanks for sharing.
Stéphane Parent
Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Great point, Tracey! This dovetails nicely into the message I presented in my webinar. Specifically, leaders develop leaders.
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