Perhaps, people do not only live by food and clothing. We also live by the feeling of being seen and recognized.
A child is excited because the teacher says the handwriting is beautiful. A staff member is happy all day just because the manager says: "Today, you did very well". A mother quietly cooks many meals, but sometimes just hearing her husband or children say: "This dish is so delicious today", all fatigue seems to lighten.
Praise does not make anyone richer, but it can give someone more motivation to try. Unfortunately, we are often very stingy with sincere praise.
When colleagues do well, we think they know for themselves. When parents are healthy, we forget to say thank you. When a friend silently helps, we naturally take it for granted. Meanwhile, complaints are spoken out very quickly. A small mistake can be repeated. Ten good things sometimes don't receive a word of encouragement. Some people say that praising too much will make others complacent.
That is only true for polite compliments or flattery. Another sincere recognition always has a very different strength. It says to the person opposite: "I see your effort". In work, bonuses are material recognition. But sometimes, a compliment at the right time touches the heart more than the amount of money transferred to the account in silence. Acknowledgment nurtures the soul and desire to contribute.
Perhaps that's why in many places, employees don't quit their jobs just because of low salaries. What makes them leave is the feeling that all their efforts are seen as obvious. Life would be much easier if everyone learned to say good things at the right time. Praise a servant for their dedication. Praise a colleague for a good idea. Praise children for an effort, even if the result is not complete.
Those words don't cost money. But sometimes, their value is much greater than expensive gifts. Because after all, what people desire is not only to be paid the right amount. But also to know that their silent efforts have been seen by someone.
