I met a manager recently, and he told me the story of how one of his company executives had come to visit his department, and said "I've never seen this department look so good."
The manager's response? "It's not hard to improve things when you're starting with a mess."
While I know that this manager said those words because he is uncomfortable with compliments, it can be easy to see how a listener might find those words insulting or negative.
For many of us, compliments can be difficult to accept. It might be because we have low self esteem, because we don't want to be arrogant, or that we simply feel uncomfortable when praised. But turning away or discounting a compliment is bad for a few reasons:
* It sends the message that we choose not to "hear" what the other person said.
* It makes us seem ungracious, unappreciative, negative.
* It causes us to miss out on the good feelings that come with a compliment.
* It prevents us from accepting the learning/feedback hidden in the compliment.
In short, it is simply bad etiquette to reject a compliment.
The simplest answer? A genuine "Thank You" in response. You don't need to flutter, swoon, or expound upon your secrets to success. Just say thanks.
It's the gracious thing to do!
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