Years To Build—Minutes To Destroy

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It’s always easier to find fault than to build up. Builders dedicate years to structures that can be destroyed in minutes by fire, natural disasters, and vandals. Your people are much the same. 

When you honor someone’s contributions in front of their teammates in a distinguished way, you build people. When you condemn them in front of their teammates, you destroy them. Use recognition liberally and your disparaging comments sparingly. Trust and confidence are built over time and with great care. They can be destroyed as quickly as any structure ever built. 

It may take years to rebuild that trust again. Moments when you acknowledge people can help you build solid and valuable relationships. Take care to reserve sharp comments and criticism for one-on-one meetings. Recognition is public; criticism is private.

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