Celebrate what you want to see more of.

It’s widely understood that when raising children, positive reinforcement is an effective way to shape behavior.  It helps them understand what success looks like and experience the positive feelings of being recognized and appreciated.

This strategy is not just applicable to kids.  It is effective with all relationships, personal and professional.

We tend to get vocal when things aren’t going as well as we’d like.  We prepare for those tough conversations and highlight the weaknesses.  However, we usually don’t spend as much time and energy celebrating the good stuff – the behaviors and results that we want to see more of.  This is a missed opportunity to leverage the positives that are already happening; to recognize those around us for doing well and doing good.  By celebrating the positives, we not only encourage more of what we want to see, but also strengthen relationships.

“Celebrating” doesn’t have to be elaborate, time consuming or expensive. It can range from a quick private conversation to public recognition in a larger group setting. It can involve a reward of some sort, or a simple expression of gratitude.

Today, make a list of at least 5 things that people are doing that you want to see more of, and find a way to celebrate them!