- [Narrator] Giving praise is easy, right? The websites you visit, the food you order, even the bus you took. Today we're asked to like just about anything. 

Giving praise on your smartphone is easy. After all, your thumb does all the work. But what about praising someone at work? Well, an emoji isn't enough. 

Instead, be specific about the behavior or action you've seen. What did they do? Why was it great? How did it make your job a little easier? 

Like the perfect selfie, the more background or context you can add, the better. 

And don't wait for your next team meeting. Praise has its biggest impact in the moment when people realize that what they're doing is awesome. 

Oh, and forget social-media style likes. Only offer praise when it's deserved. People see through empty compliments. But when your praise is saved up for the genuinely impressive, they'll really appreciate it. So give praise right away, be specific, and only offer it when it's genuinely deserved. © 2022 Mind Tools by Emerald Works Limited.