Letter 44: The Right way to Praise: Shaping Success Through Our Words

The Right of Praise: Shaping Success Through Our Words

A groundbreaking Stanford University study led by psychology professor Carol Dweck revealed compelling insights into how right praise shapes performance and personal development. Through her research with 400 fifth-grade students, Dweck demonstrated that the way we commend others profoundly influences their mindset and future achievements.

The Research Approach

In this influential 1998 study, students completed a series of puzzles and received one of two types of praise.

Some students heard "You must be smart at this," emphasizing natural ability, while others received the message "You must have tried really hard," highlighting their dedication and effort.

Understanding the Impact

The study revealed a remarkable distinction in how these different approaches to praise affected student behaviour.

When offered a choice for their next challenge, students praised for intelligence gravitated toward easier puzzles, protecting their reputation for being "smart."

In contrast, those commended for their effort actively sought more challenging puzzles, viewing them as opportunities for growth.

The Psychology of Performance

Perhaps most revealing was how praise influenced students' responses to difficulty. Those lauded for intelligence often struggled when facing obstacles, with 40% even misrepresenting their results to maintain their perceived status. However, only 10% of students praised for effort engaged in such behavior, demonstrating greater resilience and honesty in facing challenges.

Measuring Long-term Effects

When both groups encountered equally challenging problems in the final phase, the results were striking. Students previously praised for talent showed decreased performance, their confidence shaken by earlier setbacks. However, the effort-focused group demonstrated remarkable improvement, showing nearly 30% better performance. These students had developed the ability to view challenges as opportunities rather than threats.

Practical Applications

Implementing Growth-Focused Leadership in the Corporate Environment

For executives and managers, this research provides a strategic framework for developing high-performing teams and fostering organizational resilience. The key lies in transforming how we deliver feedback and recognition across all levels of the organization.

Strategic Recognition Approaches

Leaders should focus performance discussions on strategic execution and methodological improvements rather than innate capabilities. For example, instead of praising an employee for being "naturally gifted with clients," acknowledge their thorough preparation for client meetings and their systematic approach to relationship building. This shifts the focus from fixed traits to developable skills.

Building Organizational Resilience

When project setbacks occur, effective leaders reframe these moments as valuable data points for process improvement. Rather than allowing teams to internalize missed targets as failures, guide them through a structured analysis of what was learned and how these insights can strengthen future initiatives. This approach transforms potential demoralization into actionable intelligence for the organization.

Creating a Growth-Oriented Culture

Organizations thrive when they establish systems that reward calculated risk-taking and innovative problem-solving. This might include implementing formal recognition programs that highlight process improvements and learning initiatives, or incorporating "lessons learned" discussions into regular team meetings. Such practices demonstrate that the organization values development over perfection.

The Impact on Business Outcomes

Companies that embrace this growth-minded leadership approach often see improved employee engagement, increased innovation, and stronger team resilience. By consistently reinforcing the connection between effort and achievement, organizations create a workforce that views challenges as opportunities for development rather than threats to avoid.

This research-backed approach to leadership communication serves as a powerful tool for developing organizational capability and maintaining competitive advantage in today's dynamic business environment. Success in the modern marketplace requires teams that are adaptable and resilient – qualities that emerge from a culture that celebrates growth over fixed achievement.