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INSIGHT 21 · PAUL WELLENS

Do not be blinded by praise

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A thought to pause on

A compliment must not replace your judgment.

"Can you accept appreciation without trading in your freedom for it?"
Paul Wellens

A recognisable situation

During a negotiation an adviser receives much praise: "You are the only one who really understands this." Shortly afterwards a request follows to make an exception. The compliment may be sincere, but the decision must remain the same as if the compliment had not been given.

A question to consider

Which choice remains correct for you if we omit the compliments for a moment?

In plain words

Praise feels good. That is allowed. But a good feeling is not yet a good reason for a professional decision. Keep appreciation and assessment side by side.

The nuance

Do not become cynical towards compliments. Much appreciation is genuine. The question is only whether it influences your judgment.

Explanation in own words at What truly moves people and the speaker's compass. Book p. 89; speaker's compass p. 23.

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