Walking past complements?
How giving and receiving complements is good for you
How many times have you walked past a compliment, minimised it or even denied it? “Oh thanks…. it’s nothing…. anyone could have done it…..”.
Culturally, us Brits don’t tend to be very good at giving and receiving compliments – it’s all a bit…well….awkward. In giving, we don’t want to appear overly forward or creepy and in receiving we don’t want to risk appearing self-promotional, big-headed or vain.
But receiving the energy of a compliment can help us recognise and build a more positive picture of ourselves, often in the things we can’t or won’t see. They build self-esteem.
And guess what? Giving them is just as good for the donor too, building their own self-confidence and helping them to recognise the good in themselves. It’s a gift of great leaders.
So next time someone offers you a complement - just take it, with no self-qualification. And when you have a chance to give a complement - watch the recipient grow in stature and feel the reflective glow on your own self confidence.
