How to Give and Receive Compliments at Work

Whether you're a manager or a team member, giving and receiving compliments plays a major part in forming workplace relationships. Yet research shows that many people feel anxiety over the idea of exchanging compliments, worrying about coming off as a kiss-up or having their compliment misinterpreted. To be better at giving compliments, it's also important to become better at receiving them. These scenarios and suggestions can help anyone practice the art of giving and receiving compliments.


Listen up!🎧👇 [9 minutes]


Adapted from a widely recognised authority in management techniques and directions, Harvard Business Review (HBR), here's an article that you could refer to👇



And a quick recap with some additions (full version)


How to accept a compliment


Say thank you:
▪️ Thank you, it makes my day [令我开心] to hear that.
▪️ I really put a lot of thought into [花了很多心思] it, thank you for noticing.
▪️ Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to express that.
▪️ Thank you, I'm really happy you feel that way!

Say who should be recognized for sth:
▪️ It's great to hear you feel that way! Actually, Yanan is the one behind this project. If you have a minute, it would make her day to hear how you feel.
▪️ I'm glad you noticed. Actually, John is the one who needs to be praised. If you have a chance, he would love to hear it directly from you.
▪️ I would love to take the credit [认为是……的功劳], but Tim is the one responsible for this success! I will share your feedback when I see him today.

Say who else contributed:
▪️ Thank you for noticing, everyone on the team has been working really hard to get this project finished in time. I will share your feedback in our next meeting.
▪️ I will make sure to pass on [传达] your appreciation to the rest of the team!
▪️ I'm happy to hear your feedback! The whole team has spared no effort to get this project completed perfectly. I will let them know what you said.

Add a message of appreciation in return:
▪️ I wouldn't have been able to do it without your input and support.
▪️ Our team wouldn't have been able to finish it so quickly without your continuous effort towards it as well.
▪️ I would also like to express how grateful we are for your management and support.

How to give a compliment


Be authentic and sincere:
▪️ Fantastic work on that presentation! I'm impressed with the amount of detail you put into each slide.
▪️ I really appreciate how you always go the extra mile at work!
▪️ You are a lifesaver! Your contributions have been crucial.

Be specific:
▪️ Great job on the report. It was very detailed and the formatting was just perfect.
▪️ I really appreciate you running the project for the students. Their performance has improved since they met you.
▪️ That was really kind of you to cover for Tim the other day! You're always so helpful and selfless!

Focus on the process, not just the result:
▪️ I'm really blown away by the tour your put together for the client! I'm sure it took hours of preparation to get all the details so perfectly arranged! Thank you for all the work you have done!

▪️ I'm really impressed with the progress your team has made on this project. I'm sure you all have put in a lot of effort and time to ensure that each step of the project goes smoothly. Thank you for all that attention to detail.
▪️ Thank you for such a well-organised training session, everyone really benefited a lot from it. I really appreciate the thought you put into each part!

Share the impact:
▪️ I wanted to let you know I appreciate how you lead our team! I previously hated sharing my opinions, but with your encouragement and support I've felt free to express myself.
▪️ I just wanted to express my thanks for how much you have given us. With your continuous support and guidance, the whole team has been able to improve the way we operate.

And some final tips:
✅ Maintain a positive, uplifting tone of voice.
✅ Keep eye contact.
✅ Say the person's name.
✅ Ask some more follow-up questions.