There is something you might do right now that will better your workplace.

It will likely make you feel good too.

All you have to do isgenuinelythank, appreciate, recognize, or acknowledge the contributions of your colleagues.

To put it more simply, you should learn to give others good feedback.

Mutual respect and appreciation are the foundation of a healthy and productive work environment.

This is often the case with teams that dont already have a habit of appreciating each other.

Theyre skeptical when they hear something positive.

Some even see positive feedback as a sign of weakness.

The good news is it is easy to reverse.

The more genuine, positive feedback coworkers receive, the more likely they are to accept it.

This often inspires people to give it to others, and so on.

Also, dont worry if you work at an organization where positive feedback is absent.

Raise this topic with like-minded people.

Band together and begin with each other, then challenge each other to branch out to others.

Start small and gradually expand your circle of people you recognize and acknowledge.

It likely will catch on.

Here are a few tips to begin.

Give positive feedback that is genuine

Authenticity is key.

Dont go around spraying flattery everywhere and saying, Youre awesome!

or Great work everybody!

That will annoy people, and appreciation without context and specificity can make you look naive.

(Being a manager can feel thankless.

Bosses like appreciation too.)

This is a nicety and the problem with niceties is that theyre just…nice.

You want the person to know exactly what you thought about their work so they know what to replicate.

Also, general compliments from a colleague are easily brushed off.

If you want to get the big benefits of good feedback at work, be specific.

Practicing with a framework is helpful.

Describe the impact:It opened my eyes to a new issue that needs to be explored further.

Say thank-you:Thanks for speaking up.

It was great to get your perspective.

Dont hesitate to prepare your feedback in advance so that when the time comes, youre ready.

Also, the more you use the framework, the less youll rely on notes.

Starting today, make it your mission to be the best at giving good feedback.

Be genuine, be specific, and use a framework to ensure your words are meaningful.