National compliments Day

Every year on March 1st is National Compliment Day. Can you remember the last time you received a compliment at work? Or when you complimented your lovely colleague yourself? Giving compliments creates a good (team) feeling and receiving it makes you feel valued. And who doesn't want that? In this blog you can read more about how to give and receive compliments.

Positive feedback
Giving positive feedback is almost equivalent to giving a compliment. In practice, unfortunately, it is still far too rare for colleagues to tell each other that something has gone well and that the results, for example from a completed project, may be there. It is therefore good to think about it when you do receive that one compliment. Many people tend to immediately adopt a humble attitude because they don't know how to receive a compliment. Redundant! You can be proud of yourself. Giving yourself a pat on the back is a nice addition to this.

When a colleague has delivered an achievement that impresses you, don't be afraid to show it. It also gives you a good feeling and it also strengthens the team spirit between you and your colleagues.

Appreciation and recognition
When you receive a compliment, it creates a certain sense of appreciation and recognition. Everything you give your attention grows. According to Maslow and his pyramid of needs, appreciation and recognition are even basic human needs. When you feel that you are valued in the workplace and beyond, it contributes to your happiness at work. Unfortunately, many employees lack that feeling and it can cause people to change jobs. So if you would like to contribute to your colleague's happiness at work, give him/her the feeling of appreciation.

How do you do that, give compliments?
Pats on the back may come across as patronizing, but there's nothing wrong with a substantive compliment. Indicate what effect certain behavior of your colleague has on you and explain why it works well (for you). So not: 'Top presentation!' but: 'I liked the structure and structure of your presentation and you spoke at a nice pace. That way I was able to follow it well, even though I found the subject very difficult.' This form of a compliment is more concrete and therefore makes it clear to the recipient what went well. If you find it hard to give direct compliments, wrap it up in a sincere question. For example: ' If you lead the meeting, we are always ready on time. How do you do that?' This way you also let your colleague discover things about themselves.

And how do you receive compliments?
Don't be too modest and thank your colleague for the compliment. Out of habit, the compliment is often immediately detracted by responding with: 'Thank you, but ..' or by naming things that could be better. Sometimes it takes some practice to receive a compliment well. You can also ask your colleague what exactly he or she thought was good. That way you also learn something from it. And as described earlier, giving yourself a pat on the back is a nice addition to this.

After reading this blog, do you realize that you actually never receive compliments in the workplace? Then it might be time to look for new colleagues who do. Quickly check our vacancies and find a job where you are appreciated!