Great leaders are notorious for their demanding expectations and high standards. They expect a lot from themselves and others and seek excellence in every step along the way to superior outcomes. In their eyes, every process and task can be improved. Nothing is ever perfect and great work is exceedingly rare.
Excellent leaders know what excellent looks like. So it stands to reason that excellent leaders aren’t naturally inclined to offer praise for work that doesn’t meet up to exceptional expectations.
Encouraging words happen frequently, even before the standard is met. But praise comes from excellence only when it’s really recognized. “What you want me to lie to you?”
You know I had this very thought running thru my mind when I first left my comment. I knew I had read that somewhere but I couldn't place it. Funny that it was you! I was arguing with you with your own stuff!!
It is so satisfying to read this perspective instead of the one that excuses those who don't have this particular outward "love language." It really does feel like people become derailed from the best kind of habits because they are focused on how different they are from everyone else. Just get over yourself and be more generous with your praise to everyone! Be strategic about it if need be... but everyone is encouraged and motivated by it at moments --- not just 1/5th of people.
Excellent leaders know what excellent looks like. So it stands to reason that excellent leaders aren’t naturally inclined to offer praise for work that doesn’t meet up to exceptional expectations.
Encouraging words happen frequently, even before the standard is met. But praise comes from excellence only when it’s really recognized. “What you want me to lie to you?”
They do know what it looks like - that explains the stingy.
We like your distinction between encouragement and praise, Jennifer
Read:
Praise and Encouragement Are Not the Same Thing!
https://admiredleadership.substack.com/p/praise-and-encouragement-are-not
Tell us what you think.
You know I had this very thought running thru my mind when I first left my comment. I knew I had read that somewhere but I couldn't place it. Funny that it was you! I was arguing with you with your own stuff!!
It is so satisfying to read this perspective instead of the one that excuses those who don't have this particular outward "love language." It really does feel like people become derailed from the best kind of habits because they are focused on how different they are from everyone else. Just get over yourself and be more generous with your praise to everyone! Be strategic about it if need be... but everyone is encouraged and motivated by it at moments --- not just 1/5th of people.
Thanks, Steve. You've summed up nicely in this example why the behavioral approach to development is preferred.
Do you think that the understanding of love languages and psychological differences still has its place in a leaders tool box?