10 ‘Attaboys’ equals 1 ‘Gotcha’ (10 ‘AB’s = 1 GOTCHA)

It is too easy to flog wrong doers; to beat up on non-performers.

But it is harder to praise contributors.

And so let’s re-word that:

  • Ineffective managers yell, rant and rave most of the time when things are not going well but are unseen when things are going well.
  • Effective mangers are present and praising often and criticizing only when absolutely necessary and always in a constructive manner.

Managers who ‘smile up’ and ‘kick down’; bullies, emotional or physical, should not be tolerated but sadly some are and usually by CEOs who think that this protection also protects the ‘bottom line’.

The bottom line is that:

  • Praise is a greater motivator than criticism and
  • People will rise to the level of your expectations.

And that means 10 Attaboys will beat 1 I Gotcha’s every time!

The caution with this formula is that to combat the negative impact of every one ‘gotcha’ about 10 ‘attaboys’ are required! And as a leader therefore think about praising often and criticizing sparingly.