In any workplace there is always one person who rarely gets praised – the boss. It is almost an unnatural thing to do. We seem conditioned to believe that they are paid well for the extra responsibilities that they carry.

The truth is that praise breathes positivity in any workplace and should never be a one-sided practice. Authentic praise should be spread around the whole team. Everyone needs affirmation. Managers need to know that they are on track. A sense of team needs to be fostered.

Often we find it much easier to criticise managers. A list of their shortcomings seems to be in back pockets of many employees. It’s ’on the ready’ for staff meetings. Of course, we have all experienced managers who are divisive and negative. However, good managers are the hidden jewels in any successful system. They can burn out easily.

There is no such thing as a perfect manager. There is no such thing as a perfect employee. However, if you have a boss who is making a positive difference, it should to be brought to their attention. There is nothing wrong in letting people know that their efforts are appreciated.

It is no harm whatsoever to call a manager aside and tell them that they are doing a great job – that they have the place rocking and rolling. It is not illegal to say something positive about them at the end of a meeting. In fact, such interventions act as encouragement to them as they try to make life better for all.

(C) Shane Martin