One of the keys to success is having successful relationships. We are not islands and we do not reach the top alone. And one of the key ways to be successful in our relationships is to be people who “give life” to others. To each person we meet, we give life or take life. You know what I want to say. There are people who encourage you and when you finish being with them you feel edified. Then there are others you feel knocked down about. Successful people are people who have mastered the art of building others.

One of the ways we build people up is to praise them. There is power in praising people! Something starts to happen in them, in you and in your relationship when you praise someone. Do you remember a time when someone said something to you about yourself in the form of praise? It was great, wasn’t it? You probably liked that person more after he complimented you, right?

Now, I’m not talking about praising people for praising people’s sake. I’m talking about honestly looking for and praising the positive character traits and action of those around you. Don’t lie to people. If they have done something wrong, correct them, but when they do something right, praise them!

With that said, here are benefits and ways to start praising people.

Benefits

Their relationship grows. Life is about relationships. Family relationships, friends and co-workers. When we start praising people for their positive aspects, our relationships grow. It puts them, and us, on the fast track.
Your leadership and influence grow. Who is going to have greater leadership capacity and influence in the lives of his followers, the one who tears down or the one who builds up?

Stronger relationships and loyalty. When the person is appreciated and praised, he becomes fiercely loyal, because he knows that you care for him, love him and appreciate him. This will lead you to success.

Happier, more fulfilled people. I truly believe that it is our job to edify others and that they need it. It is a good thing, in itself, to invest in the lives of others by praising and encouraging them. Even if we never receive anything in return, it is the right thing to do to build other people up. Someone else will always come to take them down; the successful person will instill in them the power of praise!

Some ways to praise

Character traits. Do you know someone who is happy? Hard work? Honest? Then let them know how much you appreciate that about them. You can do it with a word or a card, or a phone call. Say something like this: “You know, Tom, I think it’s great that you’re so hard-working. It seems like you’re always the first to arrive and the last to leave. You really set a good example and I want to let you know how much I appreciate it.” Easy!

Values.

Same idea as above. “Sue, I don’t know if anyone else has told you this, but your work on the Johnson account was excellent. You have a wonderful ability to communicate the vision of the project and that helps all of us in our roles and tasks. Thank you for that. It’s much appreciated.”

Other ways you can show praise and appreciation is with a card, a gift, or time off from work.

Make it your goal to praise at least five people a day. If you can, praise ten people a day. Or maybe you can try to praise everyone you come into contact with. It will take work but it is possible. It just takes discipline and a little work.

However, any way you look at it, there is power in praising people. First for them, then for you!