Stop Saying "I’m Just Doing My Job": Why Leaders Need to Master the Art of Receiving Praise

How do you respond to praise or acknowledge feedback?

It surprises me how we are programmed to skate over praise, input and positive feedback. We brush it off, ignore it, sometimes thinking to ourselves: “That’s just who I am” or “I’m just doing my job.”

But consider that someone has taken the time to notice your impact and tell you it mattered.

We don’t take the time to celebrate ourselves, our own accomplishments, even “micro-goals”, e.g., finish the quarterly report today, or hit the gym today. 

Whether it is praise or constructive input, both are signals about how you are landing with others. I had a colleague recently tell me that I sounded a little too “sales-y.” I responded by saying, “I really appreciate you telling me that.” Genuinely, I was happy to hear this feedback because that “sales-y” tone isn’t me. 

As a leader, if it is difficult for you to acknowledge your own wins, accomplishments or compliments, what impact does that have on your team? What are the chances you are under-celebrating their wins or avoiding constructive input that would help them grow?

Receiving praise or feedback is not about ego. It is about data, connection, and growth. When you let it in, you not only strengthen your own leadership, you also give your team permission to celebrate wins and talk honestly about what needs to change.

What is one small win you want to celebrate for yourself today, and one person on your team you can thank out loud?

#executivecoach #leadershipcoaching #sayingthanks