LEADERSHIPDays to result

One Minute Praising

Catch them doing something right

Problem it solves

ineffective leadership

Best for

Managers who want to improve employee motivation and performance

Not ideal for

Managers who are not willing to provide regular feedback

Overview

Why this framework exists

One Minute Praising is a technique used to motivate and encourage employees by catching them doing something right and providing immediate feedback. This approach helps to build trust and improve performance. The key is to focus on the behavior that is desired and provide specific, sincere praise.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Focus on the behavior that is desired, not the person
  2. Provide specific, sincere praise
  3. Catch employees doing something right and provide immediate feedback

Steps

3 steps
  1. Set Clear Goals
    Set specific, measurable goals with employees and provide regular feedback on their progress.
    Pro tipMake sure goals are aligned with the organization's overall objectives
    WarningAvoid setting unrealistic goals that may lead to discouragement
  2. Observe and Provide Feedback
    Regularly observe employees and provide feedback on their performance, focusing on specific behaviors that are desired.
    Pro tipUse a feedback sandwich approach, where feedback is sandwiched between praise and constructive criticism
    WarningAvoid providing feedback that is too general or vague
  3. Praise Desired Behavior
    Provide immediate praise when an employee exhibits desired behavior, such as meeting a goal or demonstrating a new skill.
    Pro tipBe specific and sincere in your praise, and provide it in a timely manner
    WarningAvoid providing insincere or excessive praise, which can be perceived as manipulative

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
The Young Manager

A young manager is learning about One Minute Praising and decides to try it out with his team. He sets clear goals and provides regular feedback, praising employees when they exhibit desired behavior. As a result, motivation and performance improve.

OutcomeThe team's performance improves, and employees are more motivated and engaged.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Failing to Provide Regular Feedback
Managers who do not provide regular feedback may miss opportunities to motivate and encourage employees.
Providing Insincere Praise
Praise that is not sincere or specific can be perceived as manipulative and may actually decrease motivation.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of One Minute Praising was developed by Ken Blanchard, who recognized the importance of providing regular feedback to employees. He believed that by catching employees doing something right and providing immediate praise, managers could improve motivation and performance.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The New One Minute Manager
Ken Blanchard · 2015
Open source →

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