How to give and receive a compliment

Basics first: Be sincere and don’t make the compliment too big or too small.

Be specific. Don’t say you’re good at your job, say it was a great report.

Show impact. Explain how the person positively impacted you.

If you receive a compliment, just say thank you. Don’t make a self-deprecating remark or feel you have to give a compliment in return.

• We like to get compliments from fellow workers and the boss.
• Both men and women need compliments at home. Give compliments for little things, not just the big things.
• A compliment from a stranger is welcome if the person has no hidden agenda.
• Remember that people hear what they want to hear or expect to hear. If they are feeling good about themselves, they will like a compliment. If they are feeling insecure or have self-doubt, they could read the wrong thing into what you are saying.
• Be careful. If you say someone looks good and then add today, he or she might wonder what you think on other days. Instead, say his sweater looks nice. Say her scarf is pretty.
• Go ahead and praise yourself if no one is giving the compliment you deserve. Appreciate your new outfit or a job well done.