Basketball Quote by Dean Smith
“Only praise behavior that you want to be repeated. Never use false praise.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Coaching lecture, Dean Smith, date unknown
Encourage genuine actions by rewarding only the behaviors you wish to see repeated, avoiding insincere compliments.
In simple terms: Reward true behavior, not false praise.
Key Takeaway
Praise only what you want to repeat.
Themes
leadership
motivation
authenticity
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
Type
advice
leadership
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- parenting
- education
- customer service
Key Concepts
behavioral reinforcement
psychology of praise
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure praise feels sincere?
- What impact does insincere praise have on team culture?
A Different Perspective
False praise can erode trust and motivation over time.
![“I failed, I think, seven [or] eight times before I finally got my first [championship]. It was just, you know, just about me growing up. Now that I'm an old, old veteran-age 29-I do things a lot differently. I don't go to the gentlemen's clubs anymore. I had to slow that down.” quote by Shaquille O'Neal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08f/shaquille-o-neal-659_age_i-failed-i-think-seven-or-eight-times-be_2731.jpg)
