Building a Culture of Appreciation through Giving and Receiving Compliments at Work, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article provides practical strategies for leaders and employees to foster a culture of appreciation in the workplace through thoughtful compliments. While recognition is important for engagement and satisfaction, many find expressing appreciation professionally uncomfortable. The article offers guidelines for sincerely complimenting others with specificity and timeliness so praise feels genuine. Tips are also shared for gracefully receiving compliments to maximize their impact. Examples illustrate how leaders at Southwest Airlines, Google, and Lincoln Financial used compliments daily to shape highly engaged, strengths-focused cultures. The article concludes that shifting norms to build appreciation through compliments, despite discomforts, yields far greater organizational and human benefits than risks. With practice, small acts of praise meaningfully strengthen relationships, trust and performance.