Michael Fox Coaching Free Community

Imagine you’re walking through a dark forest with a lantern in your hand. Each time you praise someone—whether it’s your client, colleague, or even yourself—you’re lighting another lantern along the path. Slowly but surely, the once dim and uncertain road becomes illuminated, guiding everyone forward with clarity and confidence.

Praise is like that lantern—it doesn’t just brighten someone else’s journey, it also lights your own.

In Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, he emphasizes that genuine praise is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, inspire, and influence. And in sales—where trust and relationships are everything—praise can be the key that opens even the most guarded doors.

Let me share a quick story:

A friend of mine, a sales professional, was struggling to close a big deal. Every meeting felt transactional, and the relationship with the client lacked warmth. One day, instead of diving straight into the numbers, he took a different approach.

He started by complimenting the client’s innovative approach to their business strategy, pointing out specific ideas that impressed him. That simple, genuine praise transformed the tone of the conversation. The client opened up, and by the end of the meeting, they’d built a stronger connection—and the deal closed shortly after.

Here’s the thing: praising others doesn’t diminish your value. In fact, it elevates you. When you notice someone’s strengths, you show them that you’re paying attention. You make them feel seen and appreciated—a rare commodity in today’s fast-paced world.

But what about praising yourself? That’s equally important. If you consistently criticize yourself, it’s like trying to sell a product you don’t believe in. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Tell yourself, “I did great on that pitch,” or “I handled that objection like a pro.” This builds confidence—and confidence sells.

Here’s how you can practice the art of praise:

1. Be Specific – Instead of saying “Great job,” say, “I loved how you handled that objection with empathy and tact.”

2. Be Genuine – People can sense insincerity. Make sure your praise comes from a place of authenticity.

3. Start with Yourself – Each morning or evening, write down one thing you did well that day. Self-praise builds momentum.

Remember, every word of praise is a deposit into the relationship bank. So go ahead, light someone else’s lantern today—you might be surprised how much it brightens your own path too.

What’s a time when praise—given or received—transformed a situation for you? Let’s share and learn together! 💬