Compliment

Compliment are so nice.

I was talking to a business associate today that was doing some work for a fairly large client that I done a lot of network and system design and implementation work for about eight years ago.  Since that time, this client has had a number of different organizations involved in his business in both an audit capacity as well as implementing various sub systems.  The client had told my associate that the work I had done has been complimented often by those that he has contracted with to work with it as well as validated with every audit that had been performed.  This was a wonderful compliment to receive. Firstly, I knew that the people involved were very capable/knowledgeable. Secondly, I had worked very hard on the project and invested a lot of “myself”.

I have never been much of a compliment giver or receiver. I’ve read a fair amount about this and most of the writings tend to focus on low self esteem as the reason.  I am not sure that is the always the case for me.  Yes, there are some areas that self esteem is the reason for “rejecting” compliments (feel undeserving).  There are also (frequent) cases where the compliment simply does not feel legitimate.  Take the case where my mother tells me what a fine software developer I am. It sounds nice but she does not know how to spell computer let alone have the ability to judge whether or not I am “a fine software developer”.  This type of compliment just bounces off of me – it feels “cheap” (sorry Mom, I’m not trying to put you down).

So, what is the point of all this.  I simply want to encourage you to encourage (compliment) the people in your life. However; do it with legitimate compliments and sincerity. There is so much negativity in our lives each day that every little bit of positive is hugely powerful!