Vegas brings the compliments

I recently attended my third NamesCon Global event held in Las Vegas. NamesCon Global is an annual domain name industry conference which provides an excellent opportunity to connect with industry colleagues from around the world. Having flown all the way from New Zealand it’s nice to catch up with those you often only communicate with via email. Putting a face to the name is a great way to personalise the working relationship and discuss topics in more detail.

A highlight for me was discussing the organisations plans for the year ahead. Each person I spoke with brought their own energy, enthusiasm and knowledge to the companies they work for. A day full of scheduled meetings is followed by an evening of networking functions with an opportunity to continue discussions and meet new acquaintances. One such function even had a live snake in attendance (only in Vegas!).

The second highlight was the feedback I received from the attendees, both from customers and peers working in similar roles within different organisations. Thinking back to the conference, there was a lot of constructive praise being given between attendees and it’s a real credit to the event and the people working in the industry that this culture of positivity and encouragement of each other is visible.

When was the last time you gave someone you work or collaborate with some praise for a job well done? A small compliment can go a long way! This recognition is crucial in knowing you are on the right track with your work. Constructive praise needs to be specific, helping you notice and play on your strengths. It also helps in understanding the strengths of those you work with. Hearing constructive praise can be one of the most supportive environments to grow and learn. 

The praise needs to be genuine but if given publicly can help encourage a high standard of work. If staff know they are going to be recognised and rewarded for the hard work they put in, they are more likely to put in extra effort.

Giving or receiving feedback can be a vulnerable feeling. I know I certainly down played it when I was complemented… “No, I’m not that great,” “That was nothing really,” “It was a whole team of people,” “You’re too kind.” But once I took time to reflect on the praise and recognise the experience of those that had offered the feedback, I felt it was important to take it on board, noticing where others saw my strengths. We are often critical of ourselves in an endeavour to improve but it’s also a crucial part of self-development to recognise where our skills lie. Taking the feedback on board certainly increased my confidence!

So now that I’m back in the real world, away from the lights of Vegas, don’t go bursting my bubble, just throw another compliment my way…..

Because isn’t that what we should all be doing? Building each other up and celebrating each other's success! Ultimately noticing each other’s strengths is what is going to help us all reach success in the end and it’s always more fun as a team. I encourage you to dish out some constructive praise today because even a little compliment can go a long way!