“One of the most effective ways to motivate known to man is one of the most simple: a compliment.”
—Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton, authors
The truth, and nothing but the truth. That’s the golden rule for giving compliments. (And, as it happens, it works well in the courtroom, too.)
You should never feel the need to embellish an employee’s accomplishment or exaggerate their impact. When giving a compliment, simply say what you mean and mean what you say. If you don’t, it will show and your good intentions will be wasted.
Of course, sincerity comes most naturally when complimenting behaviors that truly advance company goals. Be on the lookout for those types of activities. When you’ve found one, go ahead and tell the employee the truth —that their actions make the company a success. And you’re grateful.