“UN-Impressive ‘Compliments’ . . .
• When compliments are used as a passive-aggressive way to manipulate others for personal gain.
• Delivering a back-handed compliment which makes others feel bad.
• Dishonesty—you say it but really do not mean it.
• False bravado.
• Manufacturing the moment for your ulterior motives.
• Pandering to win affection, a vote, or approval.
• Exaggerating and being over-zealous.
• Being hypocritical.
• Expressing preferential treatment or making an unfair comparison.
• When it draws attention to a person’s weakness, disabilities, or shortcomings.
• When it is inappropriate and off-color.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Graciously Accepting a Compliment. How many times have you offered someone a sincere compliment only to have it thrown back in your face as if your assessment were wrong? How did you feel? Women are notorious for this social misstep and poor maneuver. Why do they do it? Rejecting a compliment makes the compliment-giver feel as though they should have said nothing.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Give thanks to the Lord. There are great things He has done that should not be ignored, and He can still get your life restored.”
Source: The Gift of Thanksgiving
“Refusing someone’s kind words can cause the one doing the complimenting to feel bad. Not only might they regret trying to be nice, but you may have cut off your chances of being complimented by them ever again. Being humble is one thing; being rude is another. Practice receiving compliments with grace, dignity, appreciation, and gratitude. The perfect response to a fine compliment is simply, “Thank you!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Why Polish the Gold?
• It builds your confidence when you realize that your words have power and can positively influence.
• As you seek to find the good in others, you will enjoy the ripple effect reminder for finding the good in yourself.
• It makes a great ice-breaker to begin a conversation.
• It helps you meet new people and make new friends.
• It strengthens your relationships and builds mutual admiration.
• It brings more happiness and joy into your life.
• A little praise goes a long way to make others happy.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Service [sur-vis] noun
1. the act of helping, aiding, or doing work for another.
“Does this dictionary definition sound simplistic? Well, it is foundational to delivering world-class, game-changing service. Did you notice it didn’t mention you? True service takes the focus completely off you and devotes it entirely to the needs of another person.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“It is unimpressive to interrupt another person while they are talking. Interrupting someone in mid-sentence demonstrates that your focus is on yourself, not the person talking. I had a friend who used a humorous retort whenever someone would interrupt him. He would graciously, albeit sarcastically, say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to speak while you were interrupting.” It always got a laugh, yet he was cleverly letting the intruder know of his infraction without being too confrontational.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“A man worth his salt will treat a lady like a lady and make the effort to be a gentleman. While independent women are fully capable of being self-reliant, the majority whom I know appreciate being treated with respect, consideration, and chivalry. For the women who yearn for the old-fashioned, good-hearted, chivalrous guy, I promise, they do exist.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“It is unimpressive to not return what’s been borrowed. Whether you have borrowed money, folding chairs, yard tools, or a popular book, always make sure you return to another person what is rightfully theirs. Lending it to you in the first place was a gift of trust and assistance. Being slow to give back in return may be considered rude.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“To Polish the Gold & Help Others Shine . . . Catch people doing things right:
Outstanding leaders know that people will be more engaged, perform at higher levels, and be more loyal when they are appreciated and celebrated. Jeff West, international speaker and author of The Unexpected Tour Guide, shares that “People will jump over high hurdles, fight fires and break through walls for leaders who find them doing things right. Building that kind of chemistry is essential if a team is going to jell.” Capitalize on the opportunity to notice what people are doing right at work and at home and they will deliver their best. As the old saying goes, “A person who feels appreciated will always do more than expected.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact