Comments on: Give Someone a Pat on the Back Because they Need it

By: Miki Saxon

Miki Saxon — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:52:43 +0000

Hi Mark, I didn’t write this post, but I’ve always found it ironic that the positive reinforcement which is used with such success in children (think potty training) is ignored in adults.

Employees are people first and employees second, so if a technique works on people it will work on employees—not exactly rocket science.

Thanks for stopping by and adding your thoughts.

By: Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:12:12 +0000

You are right – if the objective of positive reinforcement is to encourage and sustain desirable behavior, then a pat on the back is most effective when someone did the right thing but did not get the desired result. Success is positive reinforcement in itself and the additional reinforcement from a pat on the back at that time is minimal. People most need encouragement to persevere when they did the right thing but were not successful.

http://markhughes.typepad.com/insights/2009/08/the-power-of-positive-reinforcement.html

By: Mary Jo Manzanares

Mary Jo Manzanares — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 21:54:08 +0000

Steve — I’ll check out your article, and thanks for stopping to comment. Recognition is sorely underestimated, and that’s a real shame.

Dave — The kinds words I’ve received, at a time when I needed them most (but probably deserved them the least) have made all the difference in my life. I try to live in a way to give that back to others.

By: Dave Schoof

Dave Schoof — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 22:29:07 +0000

You are so right – encouragement, acknowledgment and positive feedback should not be reduced to payment for good work.

It needs to be frequest, specific when possible and authentic. You gotta mean it!

By: Steve Farber

Steve Farber — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 18:21:57 +0000

Amen to that! I’ve never met anyone, anywhere, who quit a job because they were recognized too much. I recently wrote about an experience at Quiznos, which gives a great example of what you’re talking about, Mary Jo. Check it out and let me know what you think. (The entry is called “Nice Work, Mike.”)

By: Daily Motivation, Success Motivation and Positive Thinking for Positive Life Change!

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 13:57:58 +0000

You Are A Powerful Leader…of One!…

All too frequently today, people are starved for a little praise. Whether we are willing to acknowledge it to others, or even admit it to ourselves, we all need a little praise in our life.Leadership Turn » Give Someone a Pat on the Back Because they …