CDA Essentials 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 6

33 Issue 6 | 2019 | I ssues and P eople The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from the Morneau Shepell website www.workhealthlife.com • Healthy Workplace Series • The Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) is sponsored by CDSPI and provides confidential short-term counselling support, professional guidance, resources and referrals for dentists, dental office staff and immediate family members. MAP services are complimentary and accessible 24/7/365. Contact MAP at 1.844.578.4040 or visit their website at www.workhealthlife.com . MAP is operated by Shepell, the largest Canadian-based Employee and Family Assistance provider in the country. Available services vary by region. Use of MAP services is completely confidential within the limits of the law. THEPOWEROFPRAISE: Offering Praise at Home and in the Workplace Everyone experiences failures in life. If these are repeatedly emphasized without being balanced by praise, we may gradually develop a way of thinking (conscious or otherwise) that says, “ This isn’t worth the effort ,” or, on a deeper level, “ I’m not worthy .” The word praise comes from the Latin verb “pretiare,” meaning to value highly. Maybe you have noticed that people who know how to give praise hold themselves and others in high esteem. They find it easier to acknowledge mistakes and accept new challenges because they don’t perceive mistakes and uncertainty as evidence of unworthiness. Somehow, they are able to inspire with their confidence: If you can do this, I bet you can do that. Perhaps you’ve withheld praise because you were not sure how it would be taken. What’s important is the honesty and intention behind our words. As long as people sense we are being sincere – that we’re not humouring them, giving them mixed messages or trying to serve our own purposes – our praise will likely be well received. Tips and Tools When considering the power of praise, here are some factors to keep in mind: ➲ Praise recognizes effort as well as achievement. Whenever possible, link praise to personal skill and effort as opposed to factors over which an individual has little or no control. Telling a colleague, “The way you followed up on that request made the patient very happy,” is more meaningful than saying, “Congratulations on your fifth year with the practice!” 33 Issue 6 | 2019 | Visit workhealthlife.com for more wellness resources.