June 23, 2025

It’s really a confidence trick

Woman doing thumbs up and holding post-it with Good work :-)

Little else you say can change so much in the life of another as words of praise, compliments, or encouragement.

Being appreciated feels good. It raises our confidence in ourselves.

We all know people who are good at letting others know they are special, and appreciated.

Notice what they do and how they do it. Notice their sincerity. They don’t just use a formula approach; they really mean it.

They find something in the other person that they value and bring it to their attention.

So give someone a compliment. Let them know their efforts are appreciated, and notice their reaction.

Then do it again. Master the art of appreciation.

And remember that some of the best pats on the back are the ones you give yourself.

My best wishes, Paul

Paul Matthews

CEO and Founder of People Alchemy

share this article:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

related posts

L&D Disrupt podcast with Paul Matthews cover image

L&D’s biggest challenges: shifting from content overload to real behaviour change

Paul is back on the L&D Disrupt podcast: in this new episode host Nelson Sivalingam and Paul dig deep into ...
Read More
Man stepping over a white line. Walking across the start line representing business and life start up concept. Top view.

Take that step

“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears. Clarity doesn’t come before action. It comes from action.” ...
Read More
manager-vs-leader-symbol-businessman-arranged-wooden-cubes-on-the-table-to-form-the-words-manager-to-leader-business-concept

The myth of leadership versus management: Why the best managers do both 

Too often, leadership and management are treated as opposing forces. But what if the real value lies in knowing how ...
Read More
Smiley laughing and pointing at someone or something

They made a mistake – don’t laugh

A friend who is involved with aviation in Canada sent me these words as part of an ongoing exchange of ...
Read More

search blog

Get your free weekly tip

You agree that we can keep a record of your details, and send you other occasional offers. See our Privacy Policy