Do you ever fly under the radar? Or maybe you know someone who is often reflective and quiet so they get overlooked.
We might think of these individuals as introverts (though I’m hesitant to label anyone since it’s contextual for many of us). Still, some people, more often than not:
- Need quiet to concentrate
- Are reflective
- Don’t love group work
- Prefer writing over talking
- Take time with decisions
- Feel drained after being in a crowd
Quiet individuals have so much to offer. And as a wife, mom, friend, and educator, I want to ensure that everyone around me feels seen, heard, known, and valued.
This is where praise comes in. And when I say praise, I’m not talking about generic compliments. I mean real, detailed recognition for what people bring to the table.
There’s no question that thoughtful praise is powerful. It tells us that our efforts are noticed, not just our outcomes, and it motivates us to keep going.
A Tool for Recognizing Quiet Strengths
Quiet individuals often miss out on this recognition, but their contributions are just as meaningful. That’s why I created Celebrating Quiet Strengths: High-Quality Praise for Introverts, a resource that highlights those quieter qualities—like deep thinking, reflection, and listening—that can be missed in louder spaces. This list was inspired by Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.
You can use this list in so many simple but meaningful ways. Try writing a thank-you note to a quiet peer, leave a post-it on someone’s desk recognizing their thoughtful contributions, or start your day by sending a positive email to someone who often keeps a low profile.
Whether it’s in your workplace or personal life, these small acts of praise can ensure that every person’s contribution is valued, making sure no one feels left out just because they aren’t the loudest in the room.
More to Discover
Find even more free resources at LainieRowell.com/free-resources! And check out this related article: Unlocking the Power of Heartfelt Praise: The Magic Ratio for Stronger Relationships
With gratitude,
Lainie
Photo Credit: MART PRODUCTION