How to Respond to Positive Feedback from Your Boss

Receiving praise and positive feedback from your boss is a fantastic feeling. It’s a validation that you’re performing well and meeting or exceeding expectations. However it’s important to know how to properly respond to positive feedback too. You want to maximize the motivational impact of the praise and show that you truly appreciate your boss’ recognition.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore best practices for responding to positive feedback from managers

Why Positive Feedback Matters

Positive feedback serves some key purposes:

• Reinforces good work – It affirms you’re on the right track and should continue applying your strengths.

• Increases engagement – Recognition is a key driver of employee engagement and motivation.

• Provides guidance – Even praise highlights areas to sustain and build upon.

• Develops trust – Feedback exchanges build a foundation for an open, trusting relationship.

Given these benefits, it’s important employees know how to thoughtfully respond when managers offer positive feedback.

Do’s and Don’ts for Responding to Praise

When your boss recognizes your achievements, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

DO

Be grateful – Thank your boss sincerely for taking the time to provide feedback. Appreciation goes a long way.

Ask questions – If there are any areas you need clarification or examples, ask thoughtful follow-up questions.

Take notes – Write down the feedback so you can reference it later. Auditory learners in particular benefit.

Highlight teamwork – If applicable, politely note how colleagues, mentors or teamwork contributed. Give credit.

Outline next steps – Share how you plan to maintain your positive momentum and build on the praise.

DON’T

Be overly modest – Self-deprecation can seem dismissive. Accept the praise with grace and maturity.

Derail into other topics – Keep the conversation focused on the positive feedback. Don’t redirect suddenly.

Make it about compensation – Avoid clunky segues into asking about pay raises or promotions. Keep the conversation positive.

Become overconfident – Don’t allow the feedback to inflate your ego. Stay humble and hungry.

Be too effusive – While grateful, avoid excessive flattery towards your boss personally. Keep it professional.

Now let’s explore examples of how to positively respond to praise from managers.

Examples of Responding to Positive Feedback

Here are some examples of professional, constructive responses when your boss provides positive feedback:

1. Express Gratitude

• “Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to provide such thoughtful feedback. It means a lot coming from you.”

• “Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m grateful for the recognition and your support really motivates me.”

Showing gratitude positively reinforces the behavior of giving praise. Thank your boss sincerely.

2. Highlight Teamwork

• “Thanks, this project was a real team effort. Jane and Tom from engineering were instrumental. I’m fortunate to work with such a talented team.”

• “I owe a lot of this success to my colleagues. Bob coached me for hours to prepare for the presentation and the team killed it on execution.”

If applicable, share credit for accomplishments. Highlight how colleagues, mentors and teamwork contributed.

3. Provide Color & Detail

• “I appreciate you noting my leadership on this campaign. Connecting our messaging to our core brand pillars was crucial. Excited to see the engagement metrics when they’re finalized.”

• “Thanks for the feedback on my improved client presentation skills. The additional practice sessions you provided were extremely helpful for calibrating my delivery.”

Add helpful detail and color connecting the feedback to tangible examples. Demonstrate you are absorbing key takeaways.

4. Outline Next Steps

• “Thank you, I’m motivated to take my project management skills to the next level now. For my next initiative, I will be sure to implement more rigorous status reporting from the start.”

• “I appreciate you praising my initiative. Moving forward, I’ll be sure to maintain that proactive mindset and continue suggesting new process improvements.”

Share how you plan to sustain momentum. Outline any next steps showing you are focused on continual improvement.

5. Ask Follow Up Questions

• “Thanks for the encouragement on my improved customer service scores. My goal is to break into the top 10% of reps within the next quarter. Do you have any advice on how to best make that jump?”

• “I appreciate you recognizing how I’ve stepped up my leadership. Are there any areas related to influencing teammates you think I should focus on improving?”

Ask smart clarifying questions to learn more. The feedback exchange should spark an ongoing dialogue.

The above examples demonstrate thoughtful, professional responses when your manager provides praise.

Now let’s review some poor responses that should be avoided:

Examples of Poor Responses to Positive Feedback

• “I’m glad you noticed! I’ve been working so hard lately.” (Sounds egotistical)

• “Well I couldn’t have done it without you.” (Overly obsequious)

• “Does this mean I can expect a pay raise soon?” (Shift focus to compensation)

• “Yeah, this project was pretty easy for me.” (Comes across arrogant)

• “Well it definitely wasn’t a one person job.” (Minimizes your contributions)

These responses won’t leave a great impression on your boss. When responding to praise, remain humble, professional and focused on the future.

Tips for Responding Constructively

Keep these tips in mind to respond constructively to positive feedback:

• Listen attentively – Don’t just wait for your turn to talk. Listen and absorb the feedback.

• Mind your body language – Display open, engaged body language like smiling, nodding and eye contact.

• Take notes – Jot down feedback highlights to review afterward.

• Ask clarifying questions – Seek clarity if any areas are vague.

• Outline action steps – Detail how you plan to maintain excellence going forward.

• Follow up afterward – Send a thank you email summarizing the feedback.

Email Template for Following Up

It can be helpful to follow up in writing after receiving significant positive feedback. Here is an email template you can customize:

Subject: Thank You for Feedback

Dear [Manager Name],

I’m writing to sincerely thank you for taking the time to provide such helpful feedback yesterday. I truly appreciate you recognizing my growth in [area, e.g. project management, sales skills, etc].

Thanks again – your support is invaluable in motivating me to advance my skills and exceed expectations. I look forward to continuing to deliver results.

Best,
[Your Name]

Tips for Managers

If you are a manager, keep these tips in mind for providing praise effectively:

• Be specific – Offer concrete examples and details, don’t just give vague praise.

• Focus on outcomes – Note actual measurable business impact the employee drove.

• Put it in writing – Document praise in emails or performance reviews.

• Do it often – Look for opportunities to recognize achievements large and small. Don’t just criticize.

• Publicize it – Announce employee accomplishments publicly at meetings when appropriate.

• Get proximate – Provide praise directly face-to-face when possible for maximum impact.

The more detailed and frequent your positive feedback, the greater the motivational boost and developmental benefits for employees.

Key Takeaways

Responding effectively when your manager recognizes your work is an important professional capability. Key takeaways include:

• Express genuine gratitude

• Ask clarifying questions

• Note how teamwork contributed

• Avoid excessive modesty or flattery

• Outline action steps to build on the success

• Follow up in writing with a thank you

• Managers should offer specific, frequent praise

So next time your boss provides you positive feedback, implement these tips. Your professional, constructive response will make the praise more meaningful and actionable. Congratulations on your hard work paying off – and be sure to keep up the great momentum!