Positivity, Praise & Prediction

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." 

~ Oprah Winfrey
American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist.

(b. 1954)

    

There are the four (and some even say five) P's of Marketing, and in leadership of self, and others, personally and professionally, please consider the three P's of Personal Growth. Sure there are many ways to compliment, to recognize and to support others, and if sincere, they are all likely quite effective! Here, the focus is in the process...not to take away the personal touch, rather to allow for just that with some quick steps to follow that include positivity, praise, and prediction.

Step 1: Positivity. While it is not officially a word for spell check, positivity is an outlook, an approach, a state of being. Come from a place of being positive when you provide feedback. Even encouraging words can sound/seem discouraging without positivity. So, when you want to share, check your positivity meter, and ensure you are minimally at a 4 out of 5, and preferably at a 5, on your P-scale!

Step 2: Praise. Share the good news, good word, good review. Instead of couching it in "I thought you...", start it with "YOU really...". This approach to praise means it is truly about praising the person, and not about your opinion being heard (there is a difference). Use the person's name. Share the praise in front of others when appropriate. Praise loudly, often, and specifically. Resist the "You were great", and go for something like "You drew in our clients with your benefits presentation, and you really wowed all of us with your knowledge of the product!". The difference is short in time, and long on impact!

Step 3: Prediction. Closing out your compliment with anticipation - a way to carry it forward is powerful for you, and empowering for the recipient! For a prediction, think about where the actions or results can have a place elsewhere or in the future. For example, if you are thinking in a positive way, and share You were great", and go for something like "You drew in our clients with your benefits presentation, and you really wowed all of us with your knowledge of the product!", you can then add "I can only imagine how strong you will be with XYZ next week using a similar approach!" By adding a prediction, you allow the other person to see your vision without telling that person what to do - you set someone up for success with a clear idea planted for him or her to nurture.

These three steps are simple. They will take a bit of effort to include, and yet the consistency of your sincere positivity, praise and prediction will become habitual when you implement it over time, and it will likely become an enjoyable challenge to incorporate often, when you see the responses and the results that follow!