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Knowing HOW to say something is just as important as what you say. Positive reinforcement will get you everywhere with your staff and will make them want to work harder for you.

Think back to when you were a child, when your parents praised you for doing a good job, great in school, making your bed etc. You wanted more of that didn’t you? So you went out of your way to do a little more, extra so that you could get more of that good feeling.

Well the same goes for your employees. If all they hear is what they are doing or have done wrong they have nothing to strive for. Always start any conversation on a positive note. For example, let’s say your employee made great sales last week, but this week they are slacking. You might start your conversation with “Wow, I just wanted to say you really rocked last week on your sales, I don’t know what you did but it worked”!

You could then lead into something like “What do you think it was that you did last week that’s missing this week”? Let them think about it, work it out. When they come up with and answer come back with something positive and end with something like “Well I am sure you will get the edge back, keep up the good work”!

If they are having hard times at home or in their personal life it will be all but forgotten, they have gotten the little positive push they needed from you to give it their all and get back on track.

There are ways of making someone feel good without actually agreeing with what they are saying or suggesting. Such as, “What and interesting idea.” or “That’s something to think about.” and even “I never thought of it that way before.” All of these things let the other person know that you are hearing what they are saying, even if you aren’t totally agreeing with them.

Still, they walk away happy and content knowing that you heard them. So remember “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” and you will be well on your way to a happy and productive sales staff!