10 Things to Say Instead of Good Job

We want to be positive. Well, some of us want to be positive. I want to be positive. But, sometimes, the only thing that comes out of my mouth is “good job!” This is a lovely thing to say, but it’s not very specific, and it’s not very helpful. Sure, it’s praise (and unspecific praise is better than no praise–as long as it’s honest), but it would be better if we thought through what we are saying a little bit more.

Here are some ideas to get you going on supporting your employees (and family members, and friends!):

1. That was so creative. How did you come up with that idea? This is helpful because it not only praises the person; it lets them know you are interested in what they did. People love to talk about themselves, and this opens up the door for them to do that. Good feelings all around.

To keep reading, click here: 10 Things to Say Instead of Good Job

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6 thoughts on “10 Things to Say Instead of Good Job

  1. Hi Evil —

    Taking your suggestions to heart … and very sincerely … I want to thank you for this post and for your previous posts over the (many, many) years. Your advice is and your observations are always well thought out and professionally presented … and helpful.

    I’m not in HR, but in my little world, your posts are a must read.

    Keep ’em coming.

  2. Ooh, this is great feedback. I’d love to hear these coming from my boss.

  3. Thank you for sharing! Recently, our team has been focusing on using the AAA tool (Acknowledge, Appreciate, Affirm). These suggestions will help spur the team to think a bit differently when affirming team members. Could you help even more by using examples for a manufacturing site or warehouse? It seems that most of these examples are geared towards people who work in an office setting.

  4. Yes, this is a great reminder. I shared this with our team. I have followed your blog for a while and really enjoy it.

  5. These appreciations sound amazing. Appreciation really works wonder and can grow the employee in an unexpected way. Thanks for the amazing piece. Keep writing.

  6. Praise without constructive criticisim is hollow.

    A manager that praises without suggesting ways to improve is doing a disservice to the employee… or hoding and collecting deficits to use against them.

    There is no employee who is perfect. Everyone needs constructive criticisim.

    The manager who doesn’t give it, in an effort to make the employee better, simply wants that employee to fail.

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