Intelligence of Specificity in Compliments

Joe Karasin, owner at Karasin, PPC

Compliments in the workplace — many people don’t believe they are as present, plentiful and meaningful as is needed and wanted.

This conversation will discuss the importance of compliments, what a workplace culture high in them looks like and what happens in a place where they are deficient. It will also touch non what makes compliments meaningful in the minds of the receiver, what gets communicated and finally, a practice to consider implementing if you’re not already doing it.

“Appreciation is about who someone is and recognition is about what someone has done. The key difference is that appreciation is a way to show gratitude for a person's value, whereas recognition is showing gratitude for their actions,” according to Sendero Consulting.

Both appreciation and recognition require paying attention, noticing and highly perceptive observations. They also require the commitment to communicating the positives that are witnessed and experienced.

“Compliments that come from a place of sincere observation by a colleague or superior are very important,” says Joe Karasin, owner at Karasin, PPC.

“In my previous role as a CMO, I was aware of this and strived to take note not only of the work my direct reports were doing but also the characteristics and traits they possessed — and to point that out to them.”

Specifics make a difference when communicating appreciation and recognition.

“It was more than simply ‘great work on that video project’ but ‘you have such good instincts for what makes a clear and impactful message and it really showed in the video project,’” Karsin says. “From my experience being complimented, it was always great to hear positive feedback but it was extra-special to hear the feedback that clearly took more than the outcome into consideration.”

He provides an example of a particular compliment that was more than a “thank you.” Once, my former CEO said to me, “I didn't really understand digital marketing until I worked alongside you,” he says. “That meant a lot to me coming from such a smart and accomplished person.”

Where compliments freely and frequently flow, a marked difference is seen.

“What I have noticed over the years has been the high-appreciation cultures tend to have lower turnover rates,” Karasin says. “It sounds counterintuitive that great pay and benefits aren't enough, but to receive the deeply considered compliments of others means a lot to team members.”

Meaningful compliments bring extra value to relationships.

“A meaningful compliment is somewhat subjective to the one receiving it and the one giving it. For example, there are some that see a lot of meaning in a short and general compliment coming from a team leader, but less meaning coming from a colleague at the same level,” Karasin says.

“From my experience, the most meaningful compliments come from a deep understanding of the person you are complimenting. Empathy is a skill in business, and it takes true empathy to give a truly meaningful compliment,” he adds.

Compliments convey more than what is being communicated, Karasin says.

“Emotionally, there are so many benefits. I remember one of my direct reports saying to me ‘I feel really heard and seen thanks to you,’ and that showed me how important it was to not be skimpy with compliments and praise,” he says.

“So I started putting a compliment into each meeting we had with team members, and I received a lot of positive feedback from doing that.”