I just returned from Recognition Professionals International 11^th Annual Conference in sunny, hot Newport Beach California.  During the conference, Dr. Bob Nelson spoke as a recognition expert.  He provided the following tips for effective employee praise and recognition:

CREATING POSITIVE FEEDBACK ^©Dr. Bob Nelson – Nelson Motivation, Inc.

I Saw What You Did  Others don’t know what you see.

I Appreciate It  Place value on the behavior or achievement.

Here’s Why It’s Important  Always provide a context.

Here’s How it Makes Me Feel  Give an emotional charge.

Recognition ASAP³! Guidelines for Effective Praising ^©Dr. Bob Nelson – Nelson Motivation, Inc.

As Soon:                   Timing is very important; don’t delay praise.

As Sincere:               Words seem hollow if you’re not sincere in why you’re praising.

As Specific:               Avoid generalities in favor of details of the achievement.

As Personal:             When possible, convey your praise in person, face-to-face.

As Positive:              Don’t undercut praise with a concluding note of criticism. As Proactive:           Praise progress towards goals, otherwise you’ll tend to react to the negative – typically mistakes – in your interaction with others.