The human brain is not wired to praise first. It is wired to criticize first. Thinking critically, finding fault is hardwired in order to protect our chances of survival. If you doubt, you’ll work harder. Or so the evolutionary logic goes. Praise has to be taught.
In actuality, research shows we all work better, and have better creative engagement in a praise condition. In fact, when criticism is spoken, it takes four more praise utterances to bring the receiver back to equanimity. It takes eight more praise statements to inspire and motivate that same recipient of the criticism.
Praise and admiration – when uttered spontaneously – are breakthrough thinking. This is why they are so well received. They go against what we expect. How can we increase our own and our team’s motivation and creative engagement, then? Praise first.
Here is a simple tool that can be used when evaluating an idea, product or system or even giving an employee a review. Use POINt. POINt was developed by xx in the creativity industry to help save the baby ideas. Ideas are fragile and vulnerable, and they need to be protected to survive and grow up to become creative solutions, new products or great art.
P = Positives
O = Opportunity
I = Issues
Nt = New thinking
POINt is a disciplined approach to evaluation.
- POSITIVES – First you list the idea’s positives – what’s good about this idea? It will…
- OPPORTUNITIES – Then you list the opportunities – everything that might happen if the idea is enacted. It might…
- ISSUES – Now that you’ve praised first, your brains – yours and the brain of the person you’re talking to – are upshifted. You’re thinking with your neo-cortex and not your reptilian brain. You’ve literally infused the problem solving part of your brain. Now is a good time to broach the issues you have with the idea. List them out.
- NEW THINKING – Okay, bring some new thinking – brainstorm some improvements or fixes to each of the issues you listed above.
This simple tool can change the way you manage, lead, lead your life and look at your available ideas and let them GROW. And isn’t that the point?