Positivity in the workplace – it sounds great, but what does it actually mean in practice? In IT, a sector where much is happening and where work often takes place under high pressure, a compliment can sometimes make all the difference. It drives motivation, builds connections, and fosters a positive work culture.

Take, for example, an IT project where you’re working to tight deadlines, and things don’t always go smoothly right away. Whether it’s a new system that isn’t yet running perfectly or a challenging software implementation: there’s always room for improvement. When you, as a manager or colleague, offer compliments – especially genuine and specific ones – you set a positive tone. It can be as simple as acknowledging someone’s effort during a technical challenge. This provides energy, reminds everyone that there are successes to celebrate, and strengthens team cohesion.

Genuine Appreciation Works

There’s often a natural tendency to focus on what needs improvement, particularly in a technical field where results are measurable and visible. But recognising small, positive steps can be just the encouragement a colleague or team member needs to keep going and tackle the next challenge with fresh energy.

Agile and Scrum: Positivity Built In

We already see examples of this in the Agile and Scrum environments. Short sprints and regular evaluations give teams the space to celebrate achievements and learn from what went well. It’s a rhythm that you can apply even without Scrum or Agile. With a little attention and time for positivity, you create an environment where people can let their talents flourish, resulting in a team that becomes stronger together.

So, do you have a colleague who is doing a great job? Make sure to let them know!

 

Further Reading: Read “A Simple Compliment Can Make a Big Difference” on Harvard Business Review for scientific insights into the impact of compliments in the workplace.