INsight/ No Good Job

Photo by Getty Images on UnspLaSH.

Manila, 23 November 2025 — What happens when you acknowledge people without praise?

Story

Last week, I observed a leader do just that — describing exactly what people did and how it affected the group. No “Good job!” No “Amazing work!” Just clear observation — and the room softened, ownership rising naturally.

One team member later said, “I understand myself better now. I can see what I actually did.” She wasn’t energized by praise, but by being seen. Acknowledgment reflects behavior without judging. And in that clarity, people rediscover their own agency. 

It reminded me how leaders often default to praise even when growth is the goal. Praise elevates the leader’s opinion. Acknowledgment elevates awareness. When awareness grows, leadership grows. This is the shift from approval to authorship.

Challenge

We often try to be encouraging and positive. But praise is still judgment. It subtly reinforces hierarchy, performance pressure, and approval-seeking.

Acknowledgment requires slowing down to notice someone’s behavior, without evaluating and judging.

Praise is easy, familiar, and socially rewarding, but it rarely grows leaders. It can create dependency instead of capability. Acknowledgment, on the other hand, invites reflection, awareness, and agency.

Question

What happens when you acknowledge people without praise? This week, what will happen when you offer clean observation instead of judgment?

How might the shift from praise to acknowledgement grow the leadership of those around you?

In Grow3Leaders, we practice effective leadership behaviors for every day and week. Together, we learn how to give, receive, and ask feedback without praise. You’re welcome to join us.