Greetings from Montreal, where it is freezing temperature this morning (a Montreal friend said better to say it is not as warm as Dallas) and of course I did not bring a coat. I’m speaking at noon today to associates and one subject I will discuss is motivation.
What does science tell us about the impact of praise on motivation?
I write about it frequently here, in part because I witness it in my coaching lawyers.
Take a look at this 2014 article: The power of praise and recognition. Also take a look at Entrepreneur Magazine article: The Power of Praise in Business — and How to Do it Right. There are many important points made in the articles:
- Praise involves very little effort and usually no money, but it produces significant increases in revenue.
- Praise triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the reward and pleasure centres of the brain. As well as making us feel good, dopamine can also contribute to innovative thinking and creative problem-solving at work.
- Praise should be for genuine achievements.
- Specific praise has greater impact than general kudos “great job on handling the Henderson case” is more effective than “keep up the good work.”
- Personalize praise. While one associate may respond well to a public back patting in an office corridor, another might be more appreciative of a handwritten note.