Acknowledging a Peer 

 

Acknowledging someone means you’ll make them realize that their presence is important. It means that you notice them and you noticed what they’ve done. What they’ve done doesn’t have to be a big deal either for you to notice it. Let’s say that you see someone with a new dress, just mention how you like her dress and how it fits her well. Say as if it’s just a passing remark. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. When someone gets something right on the job, a simple “great job on the X account” will mean the world to the other person. Be generous on your acknowledgement and praise. You have no idea how much this can uplift other people’s day. It doesn’t cost you anything to do and it’s one of the best ways to start being a trusted peer or friend.

Exercise :

Acknowledge someone today. Then do it again tomorrow.

Downplay Their Mistakes

Telling someone that they’re wrong and stupid is the fastest way to make an enemy. Sure, they may be on the wrong but that doesn’t mean you should shout about it at the rooftops. They already feel bad for making a mistake, you repeating that to their face won’t solve anything. Instead, what you can do is downplay their mistakes, and then mention how everybody (even you) can make mistakes regarding this certain project/incident. Next, give them a solution so they can avoid making the same mistake in the future.

For example :

let’s say that your friend Emmy bought the wrong cake for your friend’s birthday party. Instead of saying how dumb she is, make her feel like it’s not her fault because anyone could’ve made the same mistake. Say something like: “Emmy, don’t worry about it. We’ve all been so stressed out lately that anyone could have bought the wrong cake. It looks the same as the one we wanted to buy so it’s not really your fault. Why don’t we go back to the shop and replace it?” Doing this instead will make Emmy feel better and she will start to trust you more. Emmy will never forget this because this isn't a normal response most people are expecting.
When was the last time you made someone feel wrong and a little humiliated? Think about what you could have said and done in that situation. Write it down on a piece of paper and then make a list of the lessons you learned from that encounter.