Rolling On -A Handful of Tips 6 – Building Self-confidence:

Most people lack confidence and need praise to build up their self-esteem.  A few words of appreciation and approval can improve a person’s performance, their self respect and enhance your relationships with them.

It’s easy to say; “Thank you, well done.” and it can mean so much to some people.

The best way to knock a chip off someone’s shoulder is to pat them on the back.

Five of the best tips to help build confidence in others  

1. Watch out for things to praise

People need praise.  Find something to praise in each person, but only if praise is warranted.

2. Thank the person by name

Their name is precious to them, especially if associated with praise.

3. Be specific 

Tell people what they did well.

People grow in confidence and try harder if the praise is sincere. Praise generates energy, but only if it’s justified.

Praising is usually appreciated more if you put your complement in writing.

“Thank you BIll and Jill for leading the sales conference last week. A job well done.”

Take care not to over praise and embarrass the person. You can over do praising. Receiving unmerited praise can be insulting and reveals indifference on part of the bestowed.

4. Don’t praise to cover a reprimand

If you do, It will not be fully heard or appreciated and you could lose your self – respect.

5. Praise in public, criticise in private

Go public with your praise.

If you acknowledge efforts in front of their friends or colleagues it often means more and could inspire others.

Praise, when it’s due, is as good as a rise, when it’s due.

-Geoffrey Moss

“Praise loudly – blame softly.”

Source: “Persuasive Ways. ‘Tricks of the trade’ to get your ideas across”. First published by  Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and in Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado.  Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book and sold by Amazon.com.