Recognitions - or "how to gracefully accept a pat on the back."

How to accept recognition...

For a long time, since I was in elementary school, I used to get kind of embarrassed when anyone would compliment me because I had never really learned how to appropriately accept a pat on the back, especially when I was at work. I was kind of red-faced about it. Not because I didn't feel happy to receive an accolade, but just because, as a rule, we don't ever get trained how to be gracious.

Every person craves acceptance and recognition for what they do, but how does one know what to say? Especially if the compliment comes from someone you admire and wanted to hear good things from?

It seems that our almost "pre-programmed" response is to downplay or deflect the compliment so we don't come across as conceited or full of ourselves. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, it’s so common that sociolinguists have categorized the three most common responses to a compliment: acceptance, deflection or rejection.

Have you ever heard anyone say something like this when they were complimented? "Oh thanks, but it was really easy because everyone here is so great." This actually undermines the compliment giver and makes them question themselves for ever thinking that it was you who had anything to do with the success. Of course, that is not what you intended for them to feel, but it is only normal for them to re-examine the situation. When you do not acknowledge a compliment directly, it affects the value of the compliment in its originally intended form and may serve to hurt your relationship with the compliment giver.

Expression of appropriate gratitude with a simple smile, a thank you, and a sharing of credit with others who were strong contributors to a team effort are all important factors in learning to accept any recognition with grace and keeping as many friends as you can in a workplace.

Real talk: Compliments are great. They make one feel that they are appreciated and give an opportunity to do the right thing when others are also needing a public acknowledgement. Great leaders understand people and give credit when it is due. 

“We are prepared for criticism, but sometimes compliments leave us baffled.” — Mason Cooley