100 WAYS TO SAY GOOD JOB

Positive reinforcement is one of the most powerful tools for shaping behavior, whether you’re working with children, employees, or even yourself. However, one key to making this tool truly effective is to vary how you deliver praise. It may seem simple—just say “good job” and move on—but the way we give praise has a profound impact on how it is received and how much it motivates future behavior.

Here’s why varying your praise is crucial for lasting, positive change:

1. Prevents Dependency on Praise

When people are repeatedly praised in the same way, they can become reliant on that specific form of recognition. For example, if someone is always told “great job” after completing a task, they might come to expect that phrase every time they perform well. This could create a sense of entitlement or cause them to lose motivation if the praise is not delivered exactly as anticipated. Varying the way you express appreciation prevents this dependency and helps individuals feel more intrinsically motivated to do their best.

2. Keeps Praise Meaningful and Fresh

If you praise someone the same way every time, the words can lose their impact. What was once an inspiring “well done” may eventually feel routine or insincere. By switching up your praise—sometimes being specific about what was done well, sometimes focusing on the effort, and sometimes on the result—you keep the feedback fresh and meaningful. This variety maintains the recipient’s engagement and helps them feel that the recognition is genuine and thoughtful. Instead of focusing on just outcomes, you can reinforce behaviors that contribute to long-term success. This tailored feedback gives people clear signals about which behaviors to repeat, leading to more well-rounded growth. For example:

“I really appreciate how you took the initiative to solve that problem.”

“Your attention to detail made a big difference while you were working on math.

“The way I stayed calm when you couldn’t find your keys was impressive.”

3. Increases Resilience and Growth Mindset

When praise is varied and emphasizes different aspects of achievement, it helps individuals develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset encourages continuous learning and improvement, rather than viewing success as a static achievement. Praising not only the results but also the effort, strategy, or creativity behind an action fosters resilience. People become more focused on learning from their experiences, knowing that they can grow and improve with each step.

4. Enhances Connection

When praise is personalized and thoughtful, it helps to build a strong rapport and connection between the giver and the receiver. This is especially important in environments where relationships matter, such as between parents and children, leaders and their teams, or therapist and their clients. By varying praise, you show that you are paying attention to the individual’s unique strengths and efforts, which deepens trust and rapport. A well-placed, varied compliment demonstrates care and attention, which goes a long way in building lasting relationships.