Our discussion around the coffee table centered on the importance of praise, and its vital role in building strong relationships. Words of praise communicate value, strengthen hearts, and nourish any relationship: be it parent/child, husband/wife, employer/employee, or friend to friend. Praise is a sincere, mutually beneficial proposition. The receiver of praise feels affirmation at having been acknowledged as a significant and important individual. The giver of praise is blessed with a clear conscience, a grateful heart, and is shielded from having a critical, dangerous spirit.
Sadly, as human beings we do, for some reason, fall into the weakness of criticizing others more easily than encouraging them. This could be the case for many reasons. Some may see praising others as a sign of inner weakness, and others may lack the inner strength and self-confidence, which hinders their ability to compliment and praise others. For the former, they need to learn how to discipline themselves to understand that praising others is a sign of inner strength and confidence. Praising others should be seen as a form of inner validation for themselves and the person they are praising. To recognize goodness in others and to let them know that they are appreciated is by no means a sign of inner weakness, rather it is a way for inner growth, and strengthening of relationships. For the latter, they may not have had the experience of being validated or praised during the course of their lives, causing them to undervalue themselves and their abilities, which hinders their ability to acknowledge and praise others.They lack the self-esteem and inner strength they need to feel good about themselves, their accomplishments, and their ability to assist others in feeling recognized and appreciated. For this to change, such individuals need to be praised by those close to them in order for them to personally realize the value of praise. This will in turn help their self-esteem and encourage them to praise and compliment others.
Praise is an important element in affirming various relationships in our lives. It’s essential for parents to praise their children, young and old. When parents praise their children, it’s not the words that mean the most. The key element here is the lasting impression parents create on their children’s lives. Knowing that their parents think they’re great will carry them through hard times, loneliness, discouragement, and failure. In order for our children to lead productive lives—like all people—they need more praise than criticism. It’s vital for us, as parents, to acknowledge the power of our words. Parents have been given the responsibility of supporting their children, helping them develop, and guiding them toward good choices. As time goes by, even if your children do not remember what you said, they will definitely remember how you made them feel.
Praising employees is one of the central elements that needs to be integrated into any manager’s strategy. Praising employees is an extremely powerful motivator because it nourishes their self-esteem. When employees are complimented, their hard work is acknowledged and this increases workplace loyalty. This makes them feel good about themselves, their managers, and subsequently they perform better. In return, the manager’s job becomes easier because positive reinforcement will encourage employees to repeat the actions that received praise. Employees will seek out ways to earn more praise by working harder and more productively.
In order for a couple to bring forth praise in a marriage they must leave behind their negative words, thoughts, or critical attitudes. In order to praise a spouse, the giver of praise must forfeit his or her role as complainer, instructor, or nag. To praise a spouse means that the partner must look for opportunities to recognize value, merit, and commendation. Praise in marriage is one of the great ways to affirm and deepen the relationship. Couples need to make sure that they compliment their spouse at least once a day.It is necessary for partners to look for positive actions or characteristics they can comment on that they haven't mentioned before. When an individual gives his or her spouse a sincere compliment, several things are accomplished. The spouse’s self-confidence and self-worth are increased, and the friendship between the couple is strengthened.
