How To Give Praise To An Employee

Entrepreneur magazine's February 2012 issue offers these great tips on how to give praise:

• Praise followed by criticism is not praise.
• Praise followed by praise is probably a little too much praise.
• Ending an expression of praise with "...and stuff" nullifies the praise.

And,

• Make it timely.  The closer the recognition is to the behavior, the more likely the behavior will be repeated.
• Be sincere.  Be impromptu. 
• Remember, a handwritten note is worth more than a gift card.

Having trouble writing your handwritten note of praise?  Try this template to get you started:

• _______, I couldn't be more impressed with how you______.  Not only did you____, but you_______.  Beautiful.  Thanks, ________