One Minute Praising is the second secret of the [[A One Minute Manager]]'s approach. This technique is all about catching people doing something right and praising them for it. # Purpose By using One Minute Praising, you can motivate your team members, reinforce positive behavior, and create a positive work environment. # Technique 1. **Observe Performance:** Spend time observing your team members to see when they are doing something well or correctly. This means being present and noticing the good work that is being done. 2. **Provide Immediate Praise:** As soon as you notice a positive action or result, provide immediate praise that takes no longer than one minute to communicate. This immediate feedback helps to reinforce positive behavior. 3. **Be Specific:** When you praise, be specific about what the person did right. This helps them understand exactly what actions led to the positive feedback. 4. **Express Feelings:** Share how their good work makes you feel. This adds a personal touch and shows your genuine appreciation. As a part of praising someone, you are encouraged to make some contact (such as a handshake or tap on the arm or shoulder). 5. **Pause for Impact:** After delivering your praise, pause for a moment to let the message sink in. This allows the person to really feel the impact of your praise. 6. **Encourage More of the Same:** Finally, encourage the person to continue performing well. This helps to reinforce positive behavior and motivates them to keep up the good work. # Example Let's say a member of your team has just delivered a presentation to a client and it went exceptionally well. - **Observe Performance:** You were present at the meeting and observed the team member's excellent presentation skills. - **Provide Immediate Praise:** After the meeting, you immediately praise the team member for their great work. - **Be Specific:** You say, "Your presentation was really clear and concise. You responded to the client's questions with confidence and demonstrated a deep understanding of our product." - **Express Feelings:** You add, "It makes me proud to see you representing our team and company so well." while looking the employee straight in the eyes. - **Pause for Impact:** You pause for a moment to let your praise sink in. - **Encourage More of the Same:** You finish by saying, "Keep up the great work. I'm looking forward to seeing more presentations like this from you in the future."