I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.
Interpretation
People perform better when they are supported and praised rather than criticized.
This quote by Charles R. Schwab highlights the impact of positive reinforcement on individual performance. It suggests that when individuals receive approval and encouragement, they are likely to exert more effort and produce higher quality work compared to when they are met with criticism, regardless of their status or position. The underlying message is that leadership and motivation should focus on building a supportive environment to enhance productivity and satisfaction.
In practice
In a team meeting, a manager could use this quote to emphasize the importance of positive feedback when discussing performance reviews.
Three men were laying brick. The first was asked: " What are you doing? He answered: " Laying some brick." The second man was asked: " What are you working for? " He answered: " Five dollars a day." The third man was asked: " What are you doing? He answered: " I am helping to build a great cathedral." Which man are you?
I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.
We are all salesmen every day of our lives. We are selling our ideas, our plans, our enthusiasms to those with whom we come in contact.
The best place to succeed is where you are with what you've got.
For the sake of the troops, for the love of the troops, we must not add yet another casualty to this war. We must not let truth be a casualty of this war.
The World Trade Center site will forever hold a special place in our city, in our hearts. But we would be untrue to the best part of ourselves and who we are as New Yorkers and Americans if we said no to a mosque in lower Manhattan.
The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born - that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.
For organizations seriously committed to making teamwork a cultural reality, I'm convinced that 'the right people' are the ones who have three virtues in common - humility, hunger, and people smarts.
The young very seldom lead anything in our country today. It's been quite some time since a younger generation pushed an older one to a higher standard.
It is the duty of the President to propose and it is the privilege of the Congress to dispose.
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