"The Secret Weapon of Top CEOs: Praise in 30 Seconds or Less"

LISTEN UP, BOSSES! You want to be a better leader than most? There’s one thing you can do right now that will cost you nothing but a few seconds and will build SO MUCH MOTIVATION in your team. It’s called praise, and it’s the secret weapon of top CEOs like Frank Blake, the former head of Home Depot. Let me tell you why this is a game-changer.

Frank Blake, the guy who turned Home Depot into a customer service powerhouse, knew the power of praise. He didn’t just talk about it; he lived it. When he took the stage at an annual conference, he didn’t bore the audience with charts and figures. NO WAY! He told stories. Stories that made people feel something, stories that inspired them to be better.

Take the story of a cashier in North Georgia. One day, an older gentleman came in with a cart full of lumber. The cashier asked if he needed help to his car and, making small talk, asked the man about his project. The customer paused and said, “Since you asked, my grandson passed away recently, and I’m building his casket.” The cashier replied, “Please sir, don’t even think of paying. Our thoughts are with you.” And with that, she waved him through the line. The room grew so silent after Blake told the story that you could hear a pin drop.

Blake didn’t just tell this story to entertain; he told it to model the behavior he wanted to inspire. He wanted his team to understand that customer service wasn’t just about following rules; it was about going above and beyond. And he recognized the cashier publicly as a hero. THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT!

Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not Frank Blake. I don’t have thousands of employees.” WRONG! This works for any size team. The key is to make it personal and specific. Frank Blake would send handwritten notes to employees, with specific examples of how they had delivered amazing service. He didn’t just say, “Good job.” He said, “You did this, and it made a difference.”



Let’s talk numbers. When employees feel recognized and valued, their motivation skyrockets. And motivation leads to better performance, which leads to better results. It’s a no-brainer! But here’s the kicker: praise doesn’t have to be costly. It’s free fuel, as Blake put it. A few seconds of your time can make all the difference.

So, what are you waiting for? Start praising your team today. Make it a habit. Look for the small wins, the moments when someone goes above and beyond. Recognize them publicly, privately, in writing, or in person. Just do it. Because if you do this one thing, you’re a better boss than most. And your team will thank you for it.

So, let’s get out there and make a difference. Praise your team, and watch the magic happen. BOO-YAH!