1. Thank You!
One day a childless widow decided to give some cookies to some of the neighborhood children. Some of them quickly said thank you and started running down the street eating their cookies. Others said nothing and snatched the cookies and ran. But one little girl, held the cookie in her hand, looked the woman in the eyes and said, “Thank you, I just love chocolate chip cookies. “ “You are a very nice lady.”
The woman was so moved by her sincerity that went back inside and brought out an entire cake. “Take this, she said, you can share it with your family.”
A simple “thank you” not only makes someone feel appreciated but will encourage them to do more.
2. You’ve made a good point!
Everyone wants to have their views acknowledged. Even if you do not agree with the point made it is good to recognize the point made if it has merit. It is a great statement to begin a sentence when you are presenting the opposite view. Just be careful not to begin the next sentence with “BUT”.
3. That’s a good question!
This is an especially good statement to make when you doing a group presentation. It not only gives you time to respond but it gives a recognition to the person that you appreciate their question. The other advantage is the rest of audience knows that you are “question friendly”.
4. Very Good!
This is a powerful statement. Watch the self-esteem of a child, for example, increase when you say these two simple words. Or say it to a mate, with enthusiasm in your voice, when commenting of something they have done.
5. What a great job you did!
A woman walked into her home from the second part time job she held to support her family. She was surprised to see a dinner of canned meatballs and pasta on the table. Slices of white bread and butter were neatly placed in the middle of the table. She looked at her two children and said “What a great job you did! It may not have been a fancy meal but her children felt special that night. And she felt like a queen.
.6. You are getting better!
This is a great statement to make to someone who is trying to make improvements in their performance on the job or at home.
It is important to have the right tone and inflection in your voice. A tone that sounds unsure or a put down will contradict the words you are saying.
7. Good thinking!
You may never say the words “poor thinking” but folks have often said “that’s stupid” or “what were you thinking”. However, look for opportunities to recognize when someone has a better way to do something. This simple statement will encourage adults and children to use problem solving skills.
So, there you have it. Use at least one of these terms per day until they become natural to you. Watch the change take place in the person(s) you share them with. Have fun!
If you want to keep a team working or individuals creative use these two words.
If you want to keep a team working or individuals creative use these two words.
All Rights Reserved, Rosemary Horner 2007
Rosemary Horner http://www.rosiehorner.com | 
