Something Nice to Say

I am an equal opportunity commenter. It is only fair. We don't hesitate a second to write a letter, fill out a comment card, speak to a manager or let our opinions be heard when we feel we have been wronged or have been presented with something unacceptable. Why is it that we hold back when the experience is positive or when we genuinely have something nice to say? Is a compliment really more difficult to convey than a complaint?

As a kid, good grades were expected of me. I caught hell for anything less than a B. Yet, aside from my grandfather giving out dollars for good report cards, I never heard a peep about how good I was doing when I brought home those A's and B's.

In employment it has been the same. OK, I was once named employee of the month. I believe that was in December of 1994? I've worked in sales and nobody says a thing when your numbers are good. But just let those numbers fall one week and holy shit will you be the center of attention.

This semester in one of my classes I was instantly impressed by one of my professors. He does not accept late work with a penalty as most would do. What he does is award extra points for work handed in early. What an excellent example of positive reinforcement!

Anyhow, getting back to my initial discussion...
Yesterday I emailed Dove Chocolates just to tell them how much I love their Dove miniatures with the little saying inside the foil. (really, they make me smile). Last week I left a note on the bulletin board at work, commenting on how fantastic a particular area of the store looked knowing that one individual in particular was responsible for that organization. Both of these actions took less than a minute of my time.

We shouldn't just be commenting when there is something wrong or a problem present. We should also be reinforcing the good service, the good grades, the good performances. And if for no other reason, it's nice to make someone feel appreciated.

So in conclusion I encourage everyone who reads this to take the two minutes to fill out that comment card not just when you receive poor service, but when the service is outstanding as well. Award your students, children or employees when they do good even if it is just a verbal confirmation of a job well done. Little things like this can really make someone's day...so don't hold back when there's something nice to say.