Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 October 1891 — Don’t Be Afraid to Praise. [ARTICLE]

Don’t Be Afraid to Praise.

One of the greatest evils of our modern life is the fear to give credit where credit is due. We are always ready to oriticise, but never to praise. We love to point out a mistake, but how loth we are to applaud a thing well done. The employer withholds the word of praise from his employe. He either fears an application for more salary, or the risk of spoiling with praise. How short-sighted is such a policy! What is there more stimulating in the hard business world of today than honest approval openly given ? Many a man and woman is there today in factory, store, office or bankinghouse to whom an honest “you have done well” would mean more than any addition to salary. Everybody’s goal is not the almighty dollar; some of us thiuk just as much of a hearty word of approval. A good man or a good woman is never spoiled by an honest word of praise. There are enough people in this world ready to criticise and find fault; let yon and I, my dear friend, counteract matters and be ready to give the word of praise when occasion requires it. In your business, be frank and open with those you employ. If a man does a thing well, tell him of it. And when you go home, keep your eyes open, and see whether your wife is not wearing something or has put something on the table which she knew would please you. Notice it, and tell her you do. Don’t let her imagine vpur pleasure—your wife is no more of a mind-reader than you are. We do not want to leave too much to be inferred in this world. Some things are best left to the inference; but there are others whioh will make this world better, brighter and more beautiful if told “right out in meeting.” If you, as husband, withhold honest praise from your wife, she, unconsciously, perhaps—for habits at home are contagious—will, in turn, withhold it from your ohildren, and they w ill transmit the spirit to their children. Each of us is more of an example to others than we sometimes think. A wise writer has made famous the proverb that the smallest action in our lives is reflected in some one else, and there is a great deal of truth in the old saw. We are all of us an example to some other follow creature, and a trait in us is often transmitted, and made immortal to succeeding generations. And thus, as others are apt to do as we do, let us do well.— Ladies' Home Journal.