“You have a superpower that you might not know about: the power to make another person glow,” reports Stephanie Harrison, happiness and well-being expert, in a study she conducted.

Her study finds that we underestimate how happy someone feels after recognition.

3 phrases that pack a positive punch

🎤  “You are making a difference.” 

• Don’t think, “That’s cheesy.”
• Do ask yourself, “How can I encourage others in micro or macro ways?”

Examples:

• “Did you see how that team leader proudly walked out with a huge smile? You are making a difference.”
• “The money you raised at our silent auction will help fund our museum awareness campaign. You are making a difference.”

🎤  “You inspire me.”

Barbara Franklin’s art shown at “SEAT OF HONOR – an exhibition about chairs”

Ask yourself, “Who has inspired me lately?”

Harrison provides this helpful script:

Start with:

1. “You inspire me …”
2. Then add the reason why: “… in the way you show up for your team…”
3. Finally, share the impact it has had: “… and it’s made me think about how I can be more collaborative.”

Example:

• “Barbara, you inspire me. You’ve embraced your passion as an artist and now you’re exhibiting at art shows. It makes me think about how I can continue to sharpen and share my passion for speaking.”

🎤  “Tell me more.”

Disclaimer: It’s one of my favorite phrases that I’ve blogged about before. Saying these words make you a better listener which makes you a better communicator.

Harrison adds, “Being listened to helps people feel safe, supported and acknowledged. One thing that’s guaranteed to make someone’s day: asking them to tell you more about their interests, feelings and experiences.”

To create space for others to open up Harrison suggests:

1. Find out what is important to them: “What do you do that’s meaningful to you?
2. Ask them to elaborate on their experience: “What did it feel like when you heard you’d won the deal?”
3. Invite them to go deeper: “Tell me more about how you interpreted that feedback.”

Double benefits

Harrison shows, “There’s a bonus in store for you: It doesn’t just make the other person glow; it ends up making you glow, too.” It’s a win-win.

Upcoming plans – Between speaking engagements in Park City, Utah and other travel,  I’ll be taking a blog break. See you soon!