Human Relations in Organizations: Applications and Skill Building 8th Edition by Robert Lussier

Exercise 29

Objective: To give and accept compliments as a means to improving self-concept.
AACSB: The primary AACSB learning standard skills developed through this exercise are analytic skills and communication abilities.
Preparation: Recall that one of the human relations guidelines is to help others. One way to help others is to give them compliments that will help them develop and maintain a positive self-concept. Also, as stated in this chapter, never minimize compliments, but accept them with a thank you. This exercise is based on these two points.
Experience: In groups you will give and accept compliments.
Break into groups of four to six, preferably with people you know.
Each person in the group thinks of a sincere, positive compliment to give to each group member (for instance, make a comment on why you like the person). When everyone is ready, one person volunteers to receive first. All the other members give that person a compliment. Proceed until everyone, one at a time, has received a compliment from everyone else.
Each group discusses the following questions:
1. How did it feel to receive the compliments? Were you tempted to-or did you-minimize a compliment?
2. How do you feel about people who give you compliments versus those who give you criticism? Is there a difference in your human relations between people in these two groups?
3. How did it feel to give the compliments?
4. What is the value of giving compliments?
5. Will you make an effort to compliment yourself and others?
Conclusion: The instructor may lead a class discussion and/or make concluding remarks.
In Chapter 9, Skill-Building Exercise 9-2, Giving Praise (page 343), you can develop the skill of giving compliments.
Application: Write out your answer to question 5 above as the application question.