How well-meaning praise can miss the person behind the performance.
You’ve probably heard, “You light up every room” or “Such positive energy!” It’s meant kindly, no doubt. But sometimes, it skips over the real story.
In the name of positivity, we often miss what truly deserves attention: the quiet effort, inner grit, and resilience to keep going.
Genuine appreciation goes beyond just nonstop positivity. It’s about actually recognizing and valuing the person behind the effort..
Telling someone “You make it look effortless” might sound kind, but it often skips over the grit, the late nights, and all the quiet pushing through. A better way to say it?
“I noticed how much heart you put into this; it really showed.”
Then we have those general compliments like “Great job” or “You’re amazing.” While kind, they often don’t quite hit the mark or leave a lasting impression. They don’t say what was great or why someone stood out. Instead, try:
“The way you clarified things made it easier for everyone to stay on track.”
Simple, specific, and far more meaningful.
Even worse is unintentionally minimizing someone’s achievement. Saying “It worked out” or “You were lucky” can reduce hours of focus to a fluke. A better choice?
“You handled that with a level of consistency that made the outcome possible.”
At its heart, real recognition lives in the details. It doesn’t just celebrate a result, it honors the road someone took to get there. It’s less about enthusiasm and more about empathy.
Because sometimes, the best thing you can say isn’t the flashiest line, it’s the one that tells someone, “I noticed.”
So the next time you want to appreciate someone, pause and reflect.
What did they carry? What did they overcome? Speak to that.
That’s not just recognition, it’s respect.
And it makes people more passionate towards their work
