28th December 2024
Someone beautifully said, “It’s More Important to Be Kind than Clever.”
In a world that is being reshaped by the relentless advance of technology, what stands out are acts of kindness and compassion that remind us what it means to be human.” Now it’s time to raise the obvious next question: How do we as leaders encourage, spread, and make more “ordinary” ways of behaving that today seem extraordinary?
“Catching people doing something right” is a concept from the book ‘One Minute Manager’ by Ken Blanchard. It involves recognizing people for their efforts and input, it’s a leadership principle that emphasizes positive reinforcement over criticism.
Too often we only catch people doing the wrong thing. Not because they never do the right thing, but because we are more likely to speak out when something isn’t done the way we like it, than when it is done the way we like.
Think back to a time when someone caught you doing something right.
How did it make you feel?
When was the last time you caught someone doing something right and praised that person for his or her efforts?
“What is it about life that makes it so hard to be kind?
And what kind of people have we become when small acts of kindness feel so rare?”
I believe the key to developing employees and building a great organization is to wander around and catch people doing things right.
This is a powerful management concept that isn’t used as often as it should be.
Unfortunately, most leaders tend to focus on the things that are being done wrong so they can fix them.
If we are eager to create environments where people routinely act their best, it’s up to us, to bring out the best in everyone — to focus less on fixing what’s going wrong & to highlight and celebrate what’s going right.
That’s how we will create & get the world we want.
We, as leaders or parents need to think & act in ways that are designed to bring out the best in whomever we encounter and spend less time scoring, critiquing & correcting those who make mistakes, and spend more time identifying & rewarding those who behave the way we wish everyone would behave.
Catching people doing things right provides satisfaction & motivates good performance.
So remember: give praise immediately, make it specific & encourage the person to keep up the good work.
This principle can also help relationships flourish at home. If your school-aged child makes his bed or does his homework without being asked, let him know right away that you notice & appreciate her efforts.
Appreciate the good work done by your spouse by giving timely & specific praise and see your relationship flourish
When we shower our praise upon others, we energize them.
It’s a great way to interact with & affirm the people in your life—and it will make you feel good about yourself too.
Whom will you energize with your praise today, this week, this month and in the coming year?
I repeat my most favourite quote, “Be an encourager, there are enough critics already in the world.”
Let’s praise the people doing the right things & stay blessed forever.