justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

Not bad!

I had a recent discussion with some new managers concerning how important it is to provide positive feedback - to give praise for a job well done. For many years, research has demonstrated the positive impact from providing specific, focused praise. It produces a measurable uptick on attitude, future performance, and most importantly, self appreciation.

I grew up in a family where praise of any type was the exception rather than the rule. With both parents having been raised in strict, highly disciplined homes in England, I learned that one should “know” that they are doing well and if not, one can count on being told everything can be done “better.”

My Mom’s ultimate praise took the form of “not bad”. Regardless of the size of the good works – from my selection to the Oakland All City Band as a ninth grader to being honor man of a Marine Corps battalion – the most that I ever heard was “not bad.”

During my long career as a management development professional, I have seen countless examples of the value a positive word can bring. In all my reading of the literature on successful management – from W. Edwards Deming to Peter Drucker, and from Ken Blanchard to Daniel Pink – the evidence of value that comes from recognizing things being done well is what I like to call “free coin of the kingdom.”

Now when I hear “not bad”, I’ve learned to respond with “Tell me more” or to ask “Specifically, what went well?”

So how are things going for you?

Not bad?

Tell me more…