Episode: 425

Episode Title: Performance Thrives on Praise

When you thank someone for their effort, how can you make it meaningful—and motivating? There’s one simple way, coming up next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 425 show:

Hello and welcome to The Perna Syndicate! As we wrap our discussion about gratitude this week, I’d like to leave you with one last thought. And that is, that saying thank you needs to be as specific as possible, as often as possible. 

Point to the positive result that came from the person’s effort and say, very intentionally: you did this. You. If you hadn’t done this, if you hadn’t given your time and effort and commitment to make this happen, it wouldn’t have. You contributed something valuable here. You did this!

Specific, data-driven praise means a lot more than a generic, blanket “thank you.” Of course, this means you’ll have to pay attention to what people are achieving—whether that’s in the workplace or in the classroom. When you do, you’ll be equipped to thank them in a meaningful and personal way. 

People who are recognized for doing something well tend to be more motivated to excel still further in that area. We all love the feeling we get when we’re thanked for something we poured our heart into. It drives us to keep working hard to earn more of that recognition in the future. 

Quite apart from the morale boost that specific praise can give an individual, it also has a positive impact on the company’s performance as a whole. 

Performance thrives on praise—and the more specific the praise, the more motivated people will be to keep earning it. It’s just another way to strengthen that vital human connection and let people know that yes, I see you, I hear you—and you matter. 

Speaking of gratitude, I’m so grateful that you’re part of The Perna Syndicate! Thanks for listening this week. I’m your host, Mark Perna, and we’ll see you back here next week for more on The Perna Syndicate.