The Power of Praise.
We have all been asked at one time or another, “Who is your hero?” In considering this, my mind will typically wander to athletes, musicians, business leaders, and great historical figures. In the end, however, I always arrive at the same conclusion: my heroes are my parents. This is not because my parents have been credited with ground-breaking work, nor have they been the recipients of any significant public recognition. What makes them heroes in my opinion is the positive effect they have always had on those around them, and on myself in particular. How have they done this? By praising those around them. Sincere praise can be a sustaining force for all of us throughout our lives. Words of praise and feelings of positive recognition are never forgotten. How many of us remember kind words that were spoken to us years ago? How many of us still hold on to a compliment we received as a child? This poem by the great twentieth century poet Helen Lowrie Marshall is one I learned many years ago from my mother, but I find its lesson to be timeless.
Many of the activities in which I take the greatest pride today are things I was praised for trying to do my very best at many years ago. Similarly, many of the attributes I still seek to gain are those on which I have been complimented in the past. Sincere and meaningful compliments are not easily forgotten. At Melaleuca we feel strongly enough about celebrating and praising others that it is one of our 7 Critical Business-Building Activities. I encourage you to identify the specific work and results being accomplished by those around you. Celebrate everyone in your organisation for each success they encounter, and speak openly about these successes with others. This celebration will become contagious and will produce even greater results by inspired, motivated Marketing Executives. I encourage you to keep the following in mind as you set out to praise and compliment others: • Praise should be deserved, specific, and sincere. Opportunities to praise others are all around us, be it with family, friends, co-workers, or other acquaintances. • Each of us receives praise in a manner unique to ourselves. “Different strokes for different folks” is an apt reminder to find the medium most meaningful to the individual, whether written or verbal, in public or private, online or off. • Flattery is different from praise. It can be insincere and excessive, designed to manipulate or to get something in return. Praise, however, is not manipulative or motivated by the hope of reciprocation. It is my belief that we can never praise too much. Those who master the art of offering specific, sincere praise infuse immeasurable joy and meaning into their own life and the lives of those around them.
“Once, someone said something nice about me, And, all undeserved though I knew it to be, I treasured it there on my heart’s deepest shelf, Till one day I quite surprised even myself By honestly making an effort to be That nice thing that somebody said about me!”
Peter
By Peter Lamb. GENERAL MANAGER
6 NOVEMBER 2018 | MELALEUCA.COM
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter