October 2022 Newsletter More compliments, please !
More compliments, please!
I am sure all of us have experienced problems with service over the last two or three years in just about every industry we encounter. I would put most of the blame on the pandemic, the labor shortage, and the lack of leadership in some companies. However, instead of dwelling on what has been missing, I want to focus on something positive: the wonderful people who are going above and beyond to provide excellent service.
Every day, people are working hard to make sure we have a great experience when we are buying something, no matter whether it happens in a retail store, over the phone, or at a restaurant. To encourage these people to keep going above and beyond the call of duty, we need to let them know we are grateful for their efforts. We need to show that we appreciate the fact that they made a choice to come to work and do an excellent job.
“Compliment people. Magnify their strength, not their weaknesses.” – Joyce Meyer
Recently I had dinner with friends at a popular restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska. Our waiter checked on us several times and made sure that everyone at our table received their food at the same time. Throughout our meal, people stopped by often to fill up our water. As a result, our overall experience was fantastic. When I left the restaurant, I asked to speak to the manager. He was not available, so I asked for his business card. Later that night I sent an email to the manager expressing my happiness with my waiter and the whole experience at the restaurant.
The next morning, I received an email back from the manager. He thanked me and said he was going to do something nice for the waiter. That was exactly what I was hoping to hear, and it made me want to return to that restaurant.
When you have an opportunity to compliment someone who deserves it, make sure to do it! Compliments encourage people to continue doing a great job. I do this whenever I am happy with services or products that I purchase.
Compliments can make somebody’s day. What do we have to lose by making people feel like they matter? Absolutely nothing!
A sincere compliment is one of the most effective tools to teach and motivate people.
According to a recent study, anxiety or depression affects 1 out of 2.5 people in the United States. When you compliment someone for doing a great job, it may be the only positive thing that happens to them all day. Wouldn’t it make you feel good to know that you were responsible for making somebody’s day better? I know that it makes me feel great.
Accept both compliments and criticism, it takes both sun and rain for a flower to grow.
I want to issue a challenge to everyone who is reading this newsletter. The next time you receive great service from someone, either in person or over the phone, I challenge you to compliment them and send a note to their supervisor. If you can’t send a note, be sure to leave a positive review on the company’s website or social media page.
Your compliments will bring multiple benefits to everyone who receives them:
- They will realize that they have value.
- They will want to continue doing a great job because they know people are watching.
- They will feel like they matter.
- They will be happier and more energetic.
- They will know you appreciate them.
- They will pass praise along to someone else.
- If they are depressed or going through a rough time, your words will give them hope.
- They will look forward to being around you because you are a bright spot in their life.
- Your positive comments will change the course of their day.
Last but not least, complimenting someone will make YOU feel good also!
I would like to share one of many, many examples of how compliments have made a big difference in my life. When I was playing football in college, my head coach came up to me one day and patted me on the back and said, “Great job, Deeb.” His compliment made me feel so good that I wanted to try harder, not just for me but also to make him happy.
If you are doing good things and you are not receiving compliments, then you are probably spending too much time with the wrong people. Also, keep in mind that GOD is always watching you and smiling on you. This might be all you need!
Compliments are contagious. Compliments are essential. Compliments are free. Let’s all make an effort to do more complimenting whenever we have an opportunity. Our positive words are needed now more than ever.