Is there such a thing as too much praise at work?
Some managers think so. Here’s why they’re wrong.
“You can’t hug your kids too much”.
That’s what I told one of my colleagues when talking about encouraging our teams. Here’s why it matters.
There are managers who worry about praising their team members too much.
As though doing so will somehow create unmanageable, big-headed, entitled monsters.
It’s crazy.
Our team members aren’t children. And the manager/team member relationship should never be seen as a parent/child relationship.
But our team members are human beings.
And worrying about encouraging them too much makes as much sense as worrying about hugging your kids too much.
The problem isn’t the presence of encouragement.
The problem is the absence of tough conversations that are required for others’ growth.
So, don’t pull back on praising your team. Go nuts with it.
But push forward at the same time to balance it with improvement advice and accountability, when required to help them – and the team – be their best.
How can we help you?
If you’re an aspiring or established leader, we’d love to support your development.
Here are three ways:
- Subscribe to our free newsletter – we offer weekly actionable insights, expert strategies and inspiring content on leadership, management and personal development
- Connect with us on LinkedIn – we post practical advice on management and leadership every day
- Join High Society – this is our exclusive membership-based community for modern leaders from around the world who are creating impactful and meaningful change in their organisations
We’re Impact Society – join 5,000 aspiring and established leaders
from 50+ countries who are changing the world, one team at a time.
Read our story
