Praise is the most powerful tool you have to keep people improving, so don’t dilute it. Resist the temptation to add a small reminder to improve. Don’t even attempt a little humor. Save those things for another time.

Praise is most potent when you deliver it straight: what they did and why it’s good.

This is only one of 347 tips in my ebook, Become a Better Boss One Tip at a Time.

Just promoted from individual contributor? Check out my book, Now You’re the Boss: Making the Most of the Most Important Transition in Business.