Find audience, meaning, image, and usage of quote-What gets praised gets repeated.
Is one of those simple truths that completely changes how you lead and motivate people. It’s not just a nice idea, it’s a fundamental law of human behavior that I’ve seen work time and again.
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
This quote means that people are hardwired to do more of what earns them positive recognition. It’s about reinforcing the behaviors you want to see.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. Think of praise as a signal. It tells a person’s brain, Hey, that thing you just did? That was valuable. Do that again. It’s basic behavioral psychology, but we so often forget to apply it. We’re quick to correct mistakes but slow to celebrate the small wins. The real power here is in the specificity. Don’t just say “good job.” Say, “The way you handled that client’s complaint was fantastic because you listened with empathy and found a solution quickly.” That kind of praise? It’s a blueprint for success. It tells them exactly what to repeat.
Summary
| Category | Business (34) |
|---|---|
| Topics | behavior (14), praise (4), recognition (3) |
| Style | pithy (4) |
| Mood | encouraging (18) |
Origin & Factcheck
| Author | Dale Carnegie (86) |
|---|---|
| Book | The Leader In You (12) |
About the Author
Dale Carnegie, 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.
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
Quotation Source:
| What gets praised gets repeated |
| Publication Year/Date: 1993 (first edition) ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781501181962 (Gallery Books 2017 reprint); also 9780671798093 (early Pocket Books hardcover) Last edition. Number of pages: Common reprints ~256 pages (varies by printing). |
| Chapter 9 Recognition, Praise, and Rewards, Unverified – Edition 2017, page range ~113–128 |
Context
In the book, this idea sits at the heart of a chapter on motivating your team. The context is leadership. It’s structured not as a manipulative tactic, but as a genuine tool for empowerment, a way to build people up and create a culture where the right behaviors naturally flourish because they’re seen and appreciated.
Usage Examples
- For Managers: An employee stays late to document a process. Praise that publicly. You’ll soon see others taking more initiative to leave things better than they found them.
- For Parents: Your child cleans their room without being asked. Make a big deal about it! You’re not just praising a clean room, you’re praising the initiative.
- For Team Members: A colleague shares credit on a project. Acknowledge that collaborative spirit. You’re reinforcing psychological safety and teamwork.
To whom it appeals?
| Audience | coaches (71), managers (79), parents (52), teachers (112), team leaders (6) |
|---|---|
This quote can be used in following contexts: classroom management,performance reviews,sports coaching,standup shoutouts,parenting tips,employee engagement campaigns
FAQ
Question: Isn’t this just manipulation?
Answer: Only if it’s insincere. Authentic praise that recognizes genuine effort or achievement isn’t manipulation, it’s clear, positive communication. It’s about letting people know what good looks like.
Question: What if I praise the wrong thing?
Answer: That’s why being specific is so crucial. Vague praise can be misinterpreted. Specific praise leaves no doubt about which action was valuable and why.
Question: How often should I do this?
Answer: Way more than you think. We have a massive praise deficit in most workplaces. The goal is to make it a consistent habit, not a rare event. The ratio should be heavily skewed toward positive reinforcement.