The effort and act to genuinely praise one another is too often overlooked. To praise another requires very little. It would seem that we are more focused on silently judging or correcting another than we are with praising them. Genuine praise is a much better teacher than any form of criticism.

If you were to embark today to offer ten genuine statements of praise to others, would those closest to you be suspicious of your efforts to do so? Would this be far from your norm? If this is the case, you are missing a great opportunity to relate with and engage more deeply to learn from those around you.

Simple eye contact and a descriptive statement of appreciation makes for a positive impact in the lives of both of you. An act of compassion and understanding as an other-centered person helps us all to thrive. Genuine praise lifts the spirits of the one making the offering nearly as much as the one to receive it.

For something that is so good for us, be one that looks to praise regularly. We all crave to be recognized and appreciated and will continue to produce more and relate better in the presence of appreciation. Praise put’s people on an even footing with the opportunity to grow and learn from one another. Think each day to praise and make it the norm.

“Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.” — William Arthur Ward —

MITM