The Art of the Compliment or Motivating People to Success

I went to a workshop last week and the presenter talked about the importance of complimenting students on what they are doing well before giving them a goal to work on the next week.  This is the same thing we do during conferences and meetings with parents.  Everyone agreed that this was a great idea.  One sassy gal said "wouldn't that be great if principals did that too", (she had probably had too much inside recess that week).  This lead to a hearty laugh and a couple of stories about the wonderful things teachers do that principals never notice.  This got me thinking about the importance of noticing the little things teachers do daily that rarely get recognized.  I know teachers don't do things to get recognition, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy getting an "attaboy" once in a while.
I have written before about the importance of being a visible member of the community and doing regular walk throughs, but now I see the importance of adding a sincere compliment.  A compliment should be sincere and specific not just flattery.
Just a couple of ideas for principals include "Caught You Doing a Great Job" notes, take advantage of times to write notes or ask what they need, and support them with parents.
A principal who is welcoming, friendly, interesting, encouraging, and accessible makes all the difference.  Popping in to say hello to a teacher who is working late, relaying compliments from parents, students, or colleagues, or leaving a note with something positive they have seen shows support for teachers.

"The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are but on how happy others can be because of you".