Ramesh Krishnaram posted an article on LinkedIn about “Positive Reinforcement,” stating that “To build a strong team you must see someone else’s strength as a complement to your weakness not a threat to your position or authority.”
Krishnaram gives 3 examples of how he has observed positive reinforcement and what he has learned.
1. Interaction with a 9-year old kid:
He shares the story of how his wife uses positive reinforcement with their daughter by treating her with an ice-cream for being honest, buying her a surprise gift when she does well in school, or spending an extra hour with her doing the thing she likes most (board games).
2. Interaction with a 11-month puppy:
Krishnaram tells the story of their puppy who had become reluctant to eat her dog food. His daughter nicely coached him and showed him how positive reinforcement helped Oreo (the puppy) eat the food by saying the same sentence every time to get her to eat. “Oreo, finish your food, be a good girl and I will give you a treat.” And guess what? Oreo finished her food and knowing she will be appreciated with a treat or hug or cheer after her meal.
3. Employee Appreciation Zone:
Companies that value their people as its biggest asset, know that it’s the people that build the best process and products. These companies throw events/opportunities that celebrate their people through different ways of which are focused on positive reinforcement such as employee appreciation zone, winners circle, peak achievement award and more! All of these promote positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is valuable because it:
– Promotes good health. And let’s you believe in yourself.
– Positive Reinforcement is a blissful feeling.
– Focuses on positive energy and karma (the be good, do good philosophy).
– Promotes mutual trust.
– Boosts morale, productivity.
– Brings the best out of an individual by focusing on a key ingredient and that is self-empowerment.
– Handle stressful situation with a cheer and “what’s the worst that can happen mentality.”
– Differentiate between bad stress and good stress, use stress as a motivator to perform.
– Helps you take control of a situation better and not let situation take control of you.
– Enforces and promotes good discipline.
