The bad news is that ignoring the performance of people is…
“The bad news is that ignoring the performance of people is almost as bad as shredding their effort in front of their eyes. … The good news is that by simply looking at something that somebody has done, scanning it and saying ‘uh huh,’ [you] dramatically improve people's motivations.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ignoring people’s work demotivates them; simply acknowledging effort boosts motivation.
In simple terms: Not noticing work hurts; saying “uh huh” helps.
Acknowledge effort to motivate others.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- performance reviews
- peer feedback
- coaching sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you give meaningful acknowledgment?
- What simple gestures improve team morale?
Acknowledgment without sincere feedback can feel empty.