Well done
Perks are nice , a good salary is taken as read , concern for health and well-being is on trend but people who work for managers who say “well done”are the most content and motivated.
You know him for the hairdryer treatment so you maybe surprised at this quote from Alex Ferguson.
“ No one likes to be criticised. Few people get better with criticism; most respond to encouragement instead. So I tried to give encouragement when I could. For a player-for any human being-there is nothing better than hearing "Well done." Those are the two best words ever invented. You don't need to use superlatives. “ Alex Ferguson
But should you ration praise to ensure it is not devalued ? The Chief Executive suddenly started sending thankyou notes. I was rather pleased to get a short thankyou note from the Chief Executive thanking me for my positive contribution at a recent workshop. However it took the shine off a bit when I proudly told my colleague only to be informed he got one too.
But if senior managers decide to ration their praise they should also ration their criticism.
Blair McPherson former director author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk
