(Excerpt from The Power of Positive Habits)
My mentor Ken Blanchard changed the way the world leads by introducing a simple habit that produces amazing results when it is put into practice.
In his iconic book The One Minute Manager, he encouraged us to catch people doing things right! This means when you see someone doing something right, recognize and praise them for it. What you reinforce will be repeated. The research shows that the more you catch people doing things right, the more they will do the things you’re praising and recognizing.
This is not just a great habit for leaders and managers; it’s also great for parents, coaches, teachers, and anyone who wants to help others grow and be their best. The habit of reinforcing the right actions and practices of others leads them to creating successful habits.
This positive habit helps others create positive habits.
Some might ask about the practice of holding people accountable and constructively criticizing others when they’re doing things wrong. Yes, it’s essential that we do these things as well, but unfortunately this is what far too many focus on too often.
We see what needs to be fixed and are always focused on the fixing. But the research shows that instead of always focusing on the fixing we must spend more time praising what’s working.
To put this into practice you should still help people correct mistakes and point out how they can improve, but become intentional in catching people doing things right more often.
Make this a habit and you’ll see your leadership, likability, influence, and impact grow.
Lead Positive,
-Jon
P.S., I also just want to thank Ken Blanchard for impacting my life. I love him and want to honor him by letting you know there is a book written by Martha Lawrence about him appropriately titled Catch People Doing Things Right.
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