One of the hardest things to do, not only in the business world but also in personal life, is to not only appreciate the hard work and generosity of others by giving a compliment – but also graciously accepting one from someone too.
Many people try to downplay compliments given to them – in fear of seeming conceited. Rather than humbly accepting the kind words, most individuals choose to dilute the appreciation.
Although you may be tempted to respond with denial, this may actually undermine the giver – even if unintentionally.
Here are a few ways to show gratitude towards a compliment in any setting –
1~ Don’t Forget Your Team. If the compliment given is due to a group effort, be sure to also acknowledge the hard work of your fellow colleagues. This is a great way for your boss to see how much you appreciate the dedication of your co-workers.
2~ Be Gracious. If you feel awkward receiving a compliment, look the giver in the eye and use the simple phrase, “Thank you”. It is a small but very powerful sentence that shows your appreciation.
3~ Never Undermine the Compliment. Even if you feel that the compliment is not well earned, never downplay it. Be sure to avoid saying things like, “Thanks, but it’s really no big deal”. While you think that this reply shows humility, it may actually make the person that gave you the compliment feel rejected.
Remember that giving compliments is not always easy for some people either, so be sure to respond to any and all positive feedback with a smile and a gracious response. Doing this simple act builds confidence in both you and the giver – also helping boost your relationship.
