Something strange and wonderful happened with one of our newsletters. Not only did most of our subscribers read it, but it was forwarded  to over 600 other really smart people. Nothing like this has ever happened before.

My guess is that everyone who read the newsletter forwarded it to their boss. That would explain the huge surge in readership, don’t you think?

Let’s pretend for a minute that’s exactly what happened. Let’s pretend that nearly a thousand people forwarded the newsletter hoping to bask for a few brief moments in the glow of a compliment or two from “The Man.”

If that’s what happened, I hope your boss got the hint and you got the praise you (no doubt) so richly deserved.

But what if your boss was one of the many clueless bosses who wouldn’t get the hint if it was a two-by-four that smacked him on the side of the head?

There are probably dozens of reasons why they don’t hand out compliments freely. They may be overworked or they might believe compliments don’t motivate people. Heck, they might just be a jerk.

But maybe, just maybe, they feel a bit under-appreciated, too. Maybe it’s been a while since anybody gave them any positive feedback. It can be hard to give out what you never get.

What?

Bosses don’t need to feel appreciated, right? They certainly don’t need a pat on the back once in a while. They get to be the boss. THAT’S  their reward.

I hope by now you know I’m just being silly. You probably also know where I’m headed with this.

The newsletter I mentioned above  encouraged bosses to appreciate their employees, so it’s only fair that we turn the tables and issue the same challenge to anyone who has a boss (which is nearly EVERYBODY, by the way).

This week, pop your head into your boss’s office and smack ‘em on the head with a compliment. It’s easy. Start by saying, “Hey, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate (insert your own heartfelt compliment here).” Then walk out. It’s likely you’ll leave your boss in a bit of a daze, but that’s ok.

By the way, showing genuine appreciation is NOT kissing your boss’ you-know-what. If you’re concerned about being viewed as a brown-noser, make sure nobody sees you do it (except your boss, of course).

This simple gesture will help you build a better team in three ways:

1. You’ll create positive energy, which is always a good thing. What you send out comes back to you. Call it the golden rule, paying it forward, or a random act of kindness. It works and you know it.

2.  You’ll improve your boss’ attitude, no matter what mood he or she is in. And we all know a happier boss makes for a happier workplace.

3.  You’ll be encouraging the kind of behavior that you’d like to see more of from your boss. Consider compliments a subtle form of coaching.

I am so excited to see what happens with this newsletter. I’m already wondering if bosses will forward this on to their teams.

Here’s an idea: Beat ‘em to the punch. Go give that compliment right now. You’ll find that it will feel good to you, too.

Other articles you might like:

• 23 Ideas to be a better boss
• Is Your Employee Appreciation Backfiring?
• Who Are You in the Face of Frustration?
• Be grouchy on your own time
• We Want Your Opinion…As Long As Its Good

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