Praise is a brain boost, for you too
Who have you given a really good compliment this week? If the answer is "no one", you're missing out on more than you think. Genuine recognition is both a shortcut to trust and a boost for your own brain.
Recognising others is a win-win. And holding back actually costs you.
YOUR BRAINYou're hacking your own nervous system
When you express genuine appreciation, something surprising happens: the brain doesn't draw a sharp line between giving and receiving a social reward. The brain's reward system is activated in both cases.
That's why you automatically boost your own mental headroom when you praise someone else. It comes down to a brilliant biological mix of feel-good hormones and brain activity that makes us happier, calmer and more open.
THEIR BRAINA shortcut to trust
At the same time, the recognition sends an important signal to the recipient's nervous system: "You are valued, and you are safe from social danger."
We are herd animals. To the brain, belonging to the group is a matter of survival. When the social threat drops, capacity is freed up to think clearly, collaborate and take initiative. That's why recognition isn't just nice. It's a foundation for trust in a team.
HOW TO DO ITIt has to be genuine
- Be specific: "Your summary in the meeting made it easy for everyone to reach a decision" lands far better than "well done".
- Mean it: The brain is an expert at spotting fake praise. Only say what you've actually noticed.
- Make it a habit: Set yourself a goal of one specific compliment a day. It takes 10 seconds.
Want to train it with your team? That's exactly what my workshops and talks are about.