Compliments: A Full Circle Moment

Compliments are meant as a feel-good, a motivator, a confidence or self esteem booster. Conveying a compliment to someone or about something shows you noticed, are aware and/or are appreciative.

How to do? Express compliments with intention, genuineness, positivity, sincerity, and authenticity. Be specific to the other person’s words, behavior and/or actions that made an impact or mark on you. For instance express distinct sentiments like:

• Fantastic job on your presentation!
• Well done, I think the whole room understands that concept so much better!
• Your words of advice (about something specific) really inspire me (and give an example).
• I admire your prose.
• You have the gift of making people laugh.
• You always know just the right thing to say.
• That speech was remarkable!
• I’m proud of you.
• Congratulations on closing that deal!
• I applaud how you handled that.
• That salad was spectacular!

How should you respond? Always with graciousness and appreciation. The simplest and best thing to say is “thank you”. If the moment feels right by adding a little more information, clarity or background you can always respond in kind. Start with “thank you” and then you could include genial phrases such as:

• I’m so glad you enjoyed.
• That makes me feel good.
• That made my day hearing that.
• I’m happy to hear you feel that way.
• I appreciate you telling me that.
• I am grateful for your support.
• I appreciate your kind words.
• I appreciate you noticing.
• Your kind words mean a lot to me.
• That brightens my day hearing that.
• Our whole team contributed.
• It was a team effort.
• I learned from the best – my mom.
• It’s a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations on my dad’s side.

A smile in your voice or your writing, while in the compliment moment, brings it all full circle.