Properly Used, Positive Reinforcement is Extremely Powerful by Marc LeVine

The way positive reinforcement is carried out is more important than the amount. - B. F. Skinner

Most times others need a word of encouragement in what is rapidly becoming a narcissistic world. ?Too many of us are self-absorbed, blind and deaf to this very basic human need.

Looking for an example??That would be me.?Overshadowed by my sibling for most of my life, I crave such attention, affirmation and validation from others.?Earned positive reinforcement often builds my morale and helps to erase any self-doubt and increase self-worth haunting me in the moment.?I perform much better after receiving a little positive reinforcement from time to time.?It is hard being a person like me. And I am also sure there are many others who feel as I do.

Are you a?CONTROLS ENGINEER?or?PROJECT MANAGER?looking for a new job? Visit:?www.thermosystems.com/careers

If you can provide some positive reinforcement to others, you will begin to take increased notice of the quality of work they may be doing. You should WANT to show your appreciation of their talent and work product(s).?

Never be so wrapped up in your own?self and accomplishments that you completely ignore and fail to give someone else a needed pat on the back – especially if you are managing them and or really care about them as good people.?When you support "who others are" and what they are doing well, you are giving them one of the greatest gifts of humanity.?You are helping to make their day. Doesn't it feel good to feel good?

How do you go about being an encourager to others??Really it is very simple.?And, when you do YOU so you are truly on the road to becoming a better person.

Here are some easy tips:

1.?????Be Situationally Aware.?Look around you and seek out opportunities to encourage others when it is deserved and appropriate. Never miss out on the right opportunity to give others their due.

2.?????Make It About Others.?We are all NOT at the centers of the universe 24 by 7. There just aren’t enough centers of the universe to go round. ?We must share the spotlight. When we free ourselves from this burden, we do better as caring human beings.

3.?????Allow Yourself to Be Impressed. ?Stop taking others and what they may accomplish for granted. Perhaps, you really believe you can do something as well or even better than someone else. But that someone else just did it or is currently doing it and deserves some positive reinforcement. Gibe it to them and help make their day!

4.?????Be Genuine.?Never use acceptance, praise, or positive reinforcement as a tool to gain some advantage. You offer good words to build others up, not yourself!

5.?????Don’t Overdo it. The quickest way to becoming known as a phony is to offer positive affirmation, validation, reinforcement, praise, or encouragement oo freely and when it is undeserved. There must be good reason for us to be so complimentary and the individual on the receiving end must clearly understand exactly what he/she has done to deserve it or it means nothing.

Too good is no good and not believable.?See with your own eyes.?Hear with your own ears.?Value with your own thoughts. And feel and speak from your own heart.?

__

The Author

Listen to Marc's latest interview on “Failing for You” with Jordan Yates

Marc LeVine is a graduate of Syracuse (NY) University with a degree in Industrial Psychology, Marc is currently Talent Acquisitions and Learning and Development Lead at Thermo Systems. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

His prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ, Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ, InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge NJ and Plainsboro, NJ and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ, a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his hometown of Freehold Borough, NJ