Find origin, author, book where it appears, quote image for – The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.
It’s about unlocking potential not through criticism, but through genuine, positive reinforcement.
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Meaning
This quote is about human motivation. It argues that people’s highest potential is unlocked not by being told what they’re doing wrong, but by having their strengths and efforts genuinely recognized.
Explanation
The old-school method is to find the flaw and fix it, right? But that just puts people on the defensive. When you appreciate someone’s effort, even if the result isn’t perfect, you’re fuelling their intrinsic desire to do better. You’re not just building a skill, you’re building a person’s confidence. And a confident person? They take risks, they innovate, they go the extra mile. This changes yourself from being a critic to being a catalyst.
Summary
| Category | Skill (39) |
|---|---|
| Topics | appreciation (8), encouragement (1), growth (13), leadership (34) |
| Style | clear (16), didactic (24) |
| Mood | motivating (10), positive (7) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote is from Dale carnegie How to win friends and influence people.
| Author | Dale Carnegie (66) |
|---|---|
| Book | How to Win Friends and Influence People (35) |
Author Bio
Dale Carnegie (1888), an American writer received worldwide recognition for his influential books on relationship, leadership, and public speaking. Among his timeless classics, the Dale Carnegie book list includes How to Win Friends and Influence People is the most influential which inspires millions even today.
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Where is this quotation located?
| The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement |
| Publication Year/Date: 1936, Revised 1981, ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780671723651, 280 pages |
| Part One: Fundamental Techniques in handling people, Chapter 2: Big secret of dealing with people, Page 23 |
Context
I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people, said Schwab, the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.
Usage Examples
This isn’t just theory; it’s a daily practice. Here’s how it looks in the wild:
- For Managers: Instead of This report is late, try I really appreciate the thorough research you put into this, the data in section two is fantastic. Let’s figure out a process to get this level of quality delivered a bit earlier next time.
- For Parents: Instead of focusing on the B, celebrate the A. I saw how hard you studied for your history test, and it paid off! I’m so proud of your dedication. You’re encouraging the behavior you want to see.
- For Colleagues: A simple, specific, Hey, the way you handled that client call was great, you turned a really tense situation around, can make someone’s day and reinforce brilliant soft skills.
To whom it appeals?
| Audience | coaches (57), leaders (149), managers (71), parents (44), teachers (91) |
|---|---|
This quote can be used in following contexts: leadership training,team management,teaching workshops,parenting programs,employee engagement
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Common Questions
Question: Isn’t this just being soft or avoiding difficult conversations?
Answer: Not at all. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s a strategic way to make difficult conversations more productive. By starting with appreciation, you build the psychological safety needed to then address the tougher issues.
Question: What if the person doesn’t do anything worthy of appreciation?
Answer: Then you’re not looking hard enough. It doesn’t have to be about the final outcome. Appreciate the effort, the willingness to try a new method, the positive attitude they brought to a meeting.
Question: Can this feel manipulative if you’re not genuine?
Answer: Absolutely, 100%. This is the most important caveat. People can easily find out insincerity in the praise. The appreciation must be specific, honest, and heartfelt. If you’re just going through the surface, it will backfire. The goal is influence, not manipulation.