Sincere Compliments!!

When you give a compliment it is like saving change for a rainy day. The best part..... Compliments are free! It is critically important to compliment the folks you support, co-workers and your supervisors. Compliments must be sincere or they mean nothing and you actually lose crediblility.

Compliments will:

1. Help you bond and create trust with the person.
2. Show them that you value them.
3. Help them build self-esteem.
4. Will lift you up!

Sometimes it is difficult to find compliments to give when working with someone challenging, whether it is someone supported or a co-worker. But it can be easier than you think! If you look deep within the person you WILL find something. Have patience, you will find the HERO in everybody.

Here are some examples:
1. I really appreciate that you punch in and out on time. It makes my job easier.
2. I notice that I never have to remind you to take out the trash.
3. I like that you always dress right for the occasion.
4. I love your passion for coloring!

Everyone is unique and sometimes you have to point out that they shine. I have often heard folks say "Why should I compliment someone when their actions are an expectation?" Let me tell you, I appreciate that people do what is expected! It should be recognized!
Sky

The Eyes Say it All

Eye Contact

Eye contact is one of the most important skills of communication. Eye contact conveys:
1. I value you.
2. I am paying attention to you.
3. What you communicate to me is important.

Combined with facial expressions it may help you:
1. Gain cooperation with someone you support.
2. Diffuse a challenging situation.
3. Build credibility.

Used the right way, eye contact will help to create likeability.
Sky

Smiles

A smile typically conveys the message "I like you". When someone doesn't like something are they smiling? Folks that have mental disabilites depend on body language a great deal. When you smile while approaching someone your message will be recieved more often.
A smile is great means of breaking the ice with someone. A smile can put other people at ease with you, help them calm down. A genuine smile spreads to the eyes and lights up the whole face, whereas a nervous smile doesn’t spread past the lips. You can also tell if the person is a auditory or visual or kinetic by examining the face where one is looking while someone is speaking to them.
A smile is comforting. A smile can turn an upsetting situation around. And the best part, smiles are free!
Sky