We all like to hear good things about ourselves. That’s a fact. I was attending my martial arts organization’s world championship and while exiting the elevator, I walked past a gentleman from Great Britain that I had judged earlier in the day in the colored belt competition. I went past the gentleman and told him that he had done a very good job in the championship. Sure this individual was happy when he received his medals for placing in the competition, but his face really lit up with a giant smile when I told him as his judge that he did a good job.
When I attended my organization’s Masters’ Clinic as a candidate for the rank of master back in March, I had received several compliments from amazing masters that I had only ever met through Facebook, words with friends (that’s a fun story), or through watching me compete back in my competition days. I was flattered that they even knew who I was. From there, new bridges were built and new bonds were fostered. Being a master’s candidate is no easy task, but the camaraderie from the masters made me feel welcome and certainly empowered.
When we compliment someone sincerely, it gives the person that we compliment a sense of empowerment and a sense of accomplishment. This can come in the dojang and easily in the workplace. At a previous company, we were having a review meeting, and a colleague of mine who was new had to make some changes to his work for it to be approved. At the end of the meeting I publicly congratulated my coworker on his review and let him know that the task that he worked on was not an easy one.
Think of ways that you can compliment those around you. If your words are sincere, you will be able to build rapport and foster confidence in your group. Complimenting people shows that you have an abundance mindset vs a scarcity mindset. In having this mindset you will increase your confidence in a very virtuous cycle. Look for ways to impact others with your words, what you say will make a difference even if you don’t believe it.
