Did you blush when you were complimented since our last communication about the perks and pluses of ‘taking’ a compliment? Which response was yours most often? Accept or deflect? You might still be a bit shy about taking a compliment!
You were no doubt aware of the simple magic a compliment carries. So now, let’s lavish those good effects on others. Here’s the ‘how to’ green light list on delivering a compliment:
- Be sincere. Pick an aspect that deserves a compliment, or you’ll be outted as a phony really quickly.
- Be aware that your compliments are a short hand validation of effort and can lift spirits. They are always socially appropriate, unlike flattery, which can be awkward.
- Consider the context and compliment appropriately. I’ll be you’ve experienced a compliment in your general vicinity breaking the ice at work or at a party, lowering stress or being the beginning of a great bond. Give generously and easily!
- Don’t expect a compliment in return; give as you would a gift.
- Proceed with good taste, choosing your words well. Well timed compliments are priceless. Simple and direct is best. If the groom is handsome, for example, just say so. You can compliment him on his 97 pound of weight loss another time and place.
- Be specific in your compliment: A person might be a great cook, but what did you enjoy or admire most at THAT meal?
Compliments in a Business Setting
Guidelines and benefits of sincere compliments are the same in the workplace. There are, however, a few points of both advantage and caution you might want to take note of before blurting out, even the most authentic compliments. These include some basic goals and boundaries of business culture communication:
Beautiful Halle Berry
Giving Compliments in Professional Settings
- Be memorable by being specific about what you’ve chosen to compliment.
- Use a sincere compliment as a conversation starter.
- Imagine the power of a complimentary question at a mixer or networking event about a tie, scarf, card choice or phrasing in their explanatory statement, for example.
Compliments and questions drive conversation. Conversation is critical in connecting in a business setting where time and impressions are limited. Questions and compliments drive conversation and establish a bond and the all important rapport to better business.
- Consider your relationship to the person you are complimenting. It’s important as it may be seen as an unwelcome opinion. Comment on personal aspects, such as your boss’s new hair style, for example, only if you have a long-time friendship.
- Keep your compliment brief, make it one item, say it once only and refrain from gushing.
- Ensure that there is a reason for the compliment and not simply to make you look good.
Your Very Important Point is that while you should feel natural and positive with your compliments; refrain from laying a compliment on a customer or prospects purely on how they look. While we all want assurance that we are attractive, even in the workplace (and there will be a column dedicated to this advantage in the fall), women, in particular are sensitive to being judged on their looks. How about a compliment on something in their office or on a specific business action they did?
Go ahead! Now that you know how it feels, share the respect and resources a compliment holds. Give one today.
Got a compliment, a column idea or a question? Be proactive and send it over.
