I thought of quickly sharing my thoughts on receiving compliments owing to the National Compliment Day celebrated on January 24 every year. Whether at your work place or in your personal space, one is bound to receive compliments based on his/ her personality and many a times his/ her work style. The way you conduct yourself matters the most in an environment where you contribute your skills representing either an organization or your team which could range from friends to teammates at work.
What if you feel awkward while receiving compliments?
I am sharing quick tips on how to graciously receive complements giving the other person a chance to gel with you and not run away.
- Thank you with a smile – A simple acknowledgement of the compliment can work wonders on the person offering you a compliment. It is not easy for others to approach you and simplicity might communicate more than anything else.
- Body Language – Rather than shrugging your shoulders and raising eyebrows with an astonishment which could be taken wrongly as furious expressions by many, try and maintain a simple body posture slightly bent forward after you receive the compliment. Do not stand crossing your hands or with hands on your waist as it could make the other person uncomfortable.
- Acknowledge team efforts – In case you have been appreciated by your client on a report or a successful project delivery, make sure you share the credit with your team members. It is very easy to forget them in the process leading to friction and future conflicts.
- Downplaying the complement – Saying phrases like, “Oh! Its nothing” and “No Thanks, it is just a regular thing” might make you feel better but will leave the compliment giver with a feeling of rejection. Make sure to handle the situation in a way that you don’t end up demotivating the other person.
- Trying hard to outperform the compliment – It is very easy to get carried away while replying back to the person who complimented you. It is best not to fall into this trap by keeping the conversation simple and by acknowledging others words of appreciation. Avoid answering back and outrightly turning down the compliment by stating how it was not just one’s efforts but a team’s efforts.
- Stand up and walk forward to receive a compliment – During an announcement done by your senior in an office, make sure you stand up and walk towards him/her if the mention is regarding your efforts on a project. It could be a possibility that you won’t be able to walk past everyone so make sure you are looking towards the senior making the announcement. This will be taken as a token of acknowledgement by others.
You might not feel comfortable with anyone approaching you with the idea of complimenting and making remarks on you personally in return. Be cautious of such personalities and take a stand if you don’t like such situations by letting the other person know. Confronting the person and expressing your discomfort won’t just leave you with a feeling of empowerment but rather open up communication bridge with that person.
