Grateful for the Compliment – Pass it On
By — — Posted in Job Search Tips
Two Things to Do When You Receive a Compliment at Work (That Will Be Good for YOU – and – Your Boss!)
It’s the month we in the U.S. most focus on gratitude. An experience recently made we think about how and why sharing a compliment at and about work is really important, and something not just you will be grateful someone did.
A nurse friend of mine on Facebook got the nicest compliment on her work that she shared, it said (paraphrased), “I went to a store after work today. A lady stopped me and asked if I worked in (health care industry) and I said yes. Her father was (cared for) for 5 years and she praised the work we do day after day. She went on and on. She almost had me in tears. I just wanted to pass this along to remind you that you are appreciated. Keep up the great work.”
First of all, it’s always wonderful and affirming to hear that our work has a positive impact on others, as my friend did (and well deserved by health care workers especially in the time of covid, but always, too, no doubt).
Part of my mission in helping people find better jobs by improving their resumes and interview skills, for example, is that I really believe in the ripple effect of happiness that a world full of people doing work they enjoy, are good at, and appreciated for would bring.
I just said this to an HR management client of mine, who’s motto in HER work is “People First” – the employees she serves are her top priority, and I love that. In fact, this is why I choose to niche my business, in part, to HR professionals with this approach, which overlaps with a personal and professional priority of MINE, “corporate social responsibility (CSR), Bcorps and the “3P’s/triple bottom line: PEOPLE, planet AND profit” – I’ve written a bit about all of those here)
All this also made me think to remind and encourage you all to do this: not only compliment others for a job well done, but, pass it on!
Here’s why:
When someone compliments you about your work, don’t be too shy/modest/afraid to ask humbly if they would mind contacting your boss, too.
Make that the first thing you do (#1) (after you say thank you, of course/obviously!)
While it’s great to hear good things yourself, your manager really needs to hear it as well. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you could say something like,
“Would you mind, I’m up for a raise (promotion) right now, and if you have a moment, it might help if you also shared that with my boss, Mike . . . ”
Hey, someday you will be, so why not start collected the well earned accomplishments you want on your resume/record now? You earned it and the compliment came to you on it’s own remember.
This is NOT entirely self-serving, either! Bosses too often just here the complaints (I know the majority of customers I heard from when I was a supervisor fell in this category!), and so it’s really nice for a manager to know her/his team are doing a good job, too! It also reflects on them positively as the leader.
And again, who couldn’t use a happy client/customer compliment in their personnel file?
Don’t be afraid to humbly ask people to mention this to your boss.
Second thing to do: #2 – This stuff can go on your resume, and/or cover letters and/or LI, too! HOW?
One way: “Earned compliments for exceptional customer service from happy customers”
(This type of thing is one way to differentiate yourself from other applicants with similar key skills and experience – need help figuring this out? That’s what I’m here for, reach out!) I will also have an online class all about how to put accomplishments, achievements, contributions, unique traits and yes, recognition on your resume – coming in early 2024 (that’s the goals!): Quick Fix: Add Attention Grabbing Accomplishments to Your Resume (stay tuned!)
So don’t be shy!
Many people are so happy to do so, to share the compliment, they just don’t think to do this, as their focus is just on thanking you. Done graciously, think of the ripple effect you may have on others, too, who will think in the future to approach other people’s bosses when they receive great service and products, too!
Win-win outcome all over the place, my favorite kind!
The folks you compliment will be SO grateful you did!
PS: If you like my work, I’d be very grateful myself if you’d leave me a positive review on Google and/or LinkedIn, too (heads up: I was victim of slander on Google (by an AirBnB host I reported for a false (and dangerous) listing- terrible experience (warning – AirBnB won’t have your back…) Anyway, this host knew my name and what I did for a living and retaliated… so I only have false, bad reviews… I haven’t made an effort to ‘bury’ those as I feel my LinkedIn recommendations speak for themselves, but I probably should, so if you’d be willing to add a truthful recommendation on Google at least, I’d be very grateful, THANK YOU.)
PPS: I also like the Tiny Buddha article “50 Ways to Show Gratitude for the People in Your Life“
The cornucopia (from Latin cornu copiae) or horn of plenty is a symbol of abundance and nourishment. May all manner of blessings be yours now at Thanksgiving, & always!
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” – Anthony Robbins
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”- Meister Eckhart
“Any self-prompt that reminds you to focus on flow not ebb, contributes to your greater sense of abundance.”
– Sarah Ban Breathnach
