“Good job.” It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s better than nothing. But it’s also vague.
When praise is too general, people don’t know why they did well—or how to repeat their success. The best praise is specific, encouraging, and helps people grow. Whether you’re encouraging a student, a teammate, or a child, the right words can turn a simple moment of recognition into a powerful confidence boost.
Here are 12 better ways to praise, along with why they work.
1. “I can see how much effort you put into this!”
Sometimes, success isn’t just about the final result—it’s about the dedication behind it. Recognizing effort makes people feel valued for trying, not just for succeeding.
Why it works:
- It encourages persistence and resilience.
- It reassures people that their hard work is noticed, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.
Example:
- “I can tell you put a lot of thought into this report. It’s thorough and well-organized!”
2. “That was a really creative approach!”
When someone comes up with an original idea, let them know! Creativity thrives on encouragement, and praising innovative thinking helps people feel confident in their unique ideas.
Why it works:
- It highlights creativity as a valuable skill.
- It encourages people to think outside the box more often.
Example:
- “I love how you used that analogy—it made the concept much easier to understand.”
3. “Your persistence really paid off!”
Success isn’t always instant. Acknowledging persistence helps people push through challenges and see that their efforts are worth it.
Why it works:
- It reinforces the idea that setbacks are part of the process.
- It encourages a growth mindset by shifting focus to effort over talent.
Example:
- “I noticed you kept refining your draft, and it really paid off. The final version is so much clearer!”
4. “You’ve improved so much since last time!”
Improvement is more important than perfection. Recognizing progress helps people focus on learning and growth rather than comparing themselves to others.
Why it works:
- It shifts focus from “being the best” to “getting better.”
- It builds confidence by showing that effort leads to results.
Example:
- “Your confidence in presenting has grown so much! You spoke clearly and engaged everyone.”
5. “That took a lot of courage!”
Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t doing something right—it’s doing it at all. Whether it’s speaking up, trying something new, or admitting a mistake, recognizing courage makes people feel seen.
Why it works:
- It encourages people to take risks and step outside their comfort zones.
- It helps build emotional resilience and self-trust.
Example:
- “I know public speaking makes you nervous, but you did it anyway! That took a lot of courage.”
6. “You really helped make this a success!”
People love knowing their contributions mattered. When you highlight their impact, it makes their work feel meaningful.
Why it works:
- It reinforces teamwork and collaboration.
- It helps people see how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture.
Example:
- “Your attention to detail on this project really made a difference. We couldn’t have done it without you!”
7. “I admire how you handled that situation.”
Not all achievements are about doing something—sometimes, it’s about how someone reacts. Acknowledging emotional intelligence builds confidence in decision-making.
Why it works:
- It teaches that behavior and attitude matter just as much as results.
- It encourages emotional growth and self-reflection.
Example:
- “I admire how you handled that disagreement. You stayed calm and respectful while making your point.”
8. “That was a thoughtful response.”
Critical thinking is a skill that deserves recognition. This phrase encourages deeper reflection and helps people feel valued for their ideas, not just their actions.
Why it works:
- It fosters intellectual confidence.
- It encourages people to keep thinking deeply and articulating their thoughts.
Example:
- “Your perspective on this issue was really insightful. That was a thoughtful response!”
9. “You should be proud of yourself!”
This shifts the focus from external validation to self-recognition. When people learn to take pride in their own work, they don’t need constant approval from others.
Why it works:
- It helps build intrinsic motivation instead of relying on praise from others.
- It encourages self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Example:
- “You’ve worked so hard on this, and it shows. You should be really proud of yourself!”
10. “I love how you approached this challenge.”
Challenges are often frustrating, but the way someone tackles a problem is just as important as the solution.
Why it works:
- It reinforces that effort and strategy matter more than just the final result.
- It helps people develop a positive attitude toward challenges.
Example:
- “I love how you approached this challenge step by step. That kind of thinking will take you far!”
11. “That was a really kind thing to do.”
Not all achievements are about skill or talent. Praising kindness reinforces the value of compassion, empathy, and generosity.
Why it works:
- It shifts focus from achievement to character.
- It encourages a culture of kindness and mutual support.
Example:
- “You went out of your way to help your teammate today—that was a really kind thing to do.”
12. “I noticed the little details you put into this.”
Sometimes, the small things make the biggest difference. Acknowledging attention to detail shows that you appreciate the care someone puts into their work.
Why it works:
- It rewards thoroughness and attention to quality.
- It helps people feel valued for the unseen effort they put in.
Example:
- “The way you organized this report makes it so easy to read. I noticed the little details, and they made a big difference.”
Final Thoughts: Praise That Builds Growth
The right kind of praise does more than just make someone feel good—it helps them grow. It shifts from vague approval (“Good job!”) to meaningful recognition that builds confidence, resilience, and motivation.
Next time you’re about to say “Good job”, take a moment. Be specific. Be thoughtful. Make your praise count.
Because when people understand why they’re doing well, they’ll keep doing it—and even better.