Flattery or Appreciation?

On the surface these can look similar. They are both toward someone. An encouragement of sorts. The primary difference is the motivation. One is sincere while the other is not.

Flattery is telling someone what they want to hear as a means to get the end you desire.

Appreciation is telling someone what they need to hear simply because you genuinely appreciate what they are doing.

In fact, the more specific you are, the more likely you are appreciative rather than simply flattering.

As an aside, there is no version of appreciation that is silent. It’s always heard and seen.

Dale Carnegie reminds us that flattery is like counterfeit money. It may work at first but eventually it will get you in trouble.

How to appreciate?

• Be honest

• Be specific

• Be verbal