Motivation Through Appreciation

"I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people the greatest I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.    There is nothing else that so kills the ambitions of a person as criticism from superiors.  I never criticize anyone.  I believe in giving a person incentive to work.  So I am anxious to praise but loath to find fault.  If I like anything, I am hearty in my approbation and lavish in my praise.

In my wide association in life, meeting with many and great people in various parts of the world, I have yet to find the person, however great or exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than he would ever do under a spirit of criticism."

-- Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab was renowned for his ability to motivate others to do their best work, and he attributed this skill to his ability to find things to praise and appreciate even when most others would find fault.  This works in the family too, and I have a sincere desire to get better at it myself.  I think I'm never a better father than when I remember to do this with my own children.  How much better off would we be if we remembered to do it all the time!   Principle #3 in FamilyMint Fundamentals is Motivate.   Motivate and encourage to build new skills.  Build skills to create confidence.  Soon you’ll have confident, money smart kids!