Prepare to deliver praise and positive reinforcement

As a manager or team leader, you are responsible for the performance of others. If they succeed so do you and vice versa.

The impact of recognising people for their accomplishments cannot be overstated. Praise will motivate the employee to even greater heights, but failing to recognise improvements in performance will have the opposite effect.

The critical steps will help your team maintain improved performance.

 And as you recognise the need for positive reinforcement, keep these points in mind:

  • Discuss only the improvement.
  • Resist the temptation to raise other issues requiring improvement.
  • Deliver praise any time you note improved performance, even if the improvement is slight.
  • As improved performance becomes a habit, the need for praise may reduce. 

And remember the importance of preparation. Use the Maintaining Performance Feedback Planner as a planning tool.