The Power of A Compliment

When I presented you my blog I said that we can change our lives by following simple practical rules of living. Yes we can do that. Today I will unfold one of the most infallible rules of living which will give you not only success in your personal relations but also will boost your popularity. It gives others a sincere fragrance of happiness and creates your long lasting impression.

It was around some five months ago in a market somebody waved me and when I stopped to see the gesticulation, the young man   ran towards me.  “Hi Sir! How are you! Remember me I am Sanjay  Gurang ,Chef at China Town! I was expecting to see you more at China Town. You liked the soup I prepared, remember!” He was bubbling with enthusiasm. I still remember that one fine evening I went to this restaurant to have soup. The soup was a bit costly but it was damn tasty. I went to the reception to make the payment instead of giving the cash to the attending waiter. I paid the bill and said to the manager that his chef was doing an amazing job. The manager felt elated and called the chef who was a frail looking Nepalese young man. The manger told him that I liked his work. I still remember the light of happiness and a light film of tears in his eyes. He was Sanjay Gurang who met me in the market. I went but remained in the memory of this man forever. Whenever I go to China Town he comes out to see me and last month he got a raise also!!!

Similarly a small stall owner who sells T-Shirts in Dadar (Mumbai) surprised me saying that he knows me. He said that he was, around some five years ago working as a security guard and I met him once saying that he was one of the fittest security guard I ever met. I never met this man after that, who even remembered my name as before entering that building premises I signed the visitors register. Actually I had signed on this man’s mind who never forgot me.

In Mumbai you can easily get tea on road side stalls what are called Cutting Tea Stalls. I love having that small cup once in a while and if the tea is good, I never lose a chance to complement the man who made it. The reward is the happiness you see on the face of that man.  That is worth the cost of hundred cups he sells!!!

Once I was getting my cell phone serviced at a shop and complemented the owner that he had kept his workshop in a very organized manner to beat the standards of ISO 9000 even. I saw that different spares, different accessories, everything was neatly kept in that shop in a very organized manner. He said that he was first time complimented in many years. He became more than happy. Even ignoring a strong insistence he refused to take his service charge and accepted only the cost of the spares!!! He installed the spares in my cell and I installed my lasting memory in his heart.

There is a power and huge power in a sincere praise, compliment and an appreciation. I repeat it should be a sincere compliment.  So let’s see what we have to do:-

ü  We all love to receive compliments and so do others. So compliment as frequently as you can.

ü  Don’t give a fake appreciation. This will put you in trouble. Make sure your compliment should be authentic.

ü  Compliment your mother, wife or your sister who prepares your daily meals selflessly. They deserve the compliment and the happiness it bestows.

ü  Praise your staff now and then that they are doing a good job. Believe me you will win their loyalty forever.

ü  Occasionally praise your wife/husband that she/he is looking good in so and so dress. Find things to compliment in your spouse and you will earn a life time guarantee that your relationship will bloom forever.

ü  Be liberal in your praise where your friends are concerned. Compliment them on their new dress, on some achievement of theirs however small. Compliment your girl or boy friend on looks to keep the fire of passion burning.

ü  Never lose a chance to compliment your female friends. A woman loves to be complimented on her beauty, dress and accessories. She will love you for your compliments.

ü  Compliment children on their studies, sports or any trait which is budding. You might water a seedling to grow into a huge tree.

ü  In case you are a manager and people are reporting to you then always praise and compliment your subordinates on their dispensed duties and whenever they strive to do good work. This will create a loyal army of yours and your team performance will improve. There would be less or no resignations in your team. Even Dr. Spencer Johnson in his management classic One Minute Manager focused on one minute appreciation.

ü  Last but not the least praise, compliment your parents on their achievements and what all they did for you. They already love you but will love even more on this.

So my dear friends you have this immense tool handy with you at zero cost. Don’t wait, go ahead!! Give somebody a sincere compliment. Do post me your own stories of success and suggest more ways of sincerely complimenting people, who after all are human beings craving for love, care and appreciation.

Waiting for your valuable comments and suggestions

With Love

Anurag