Paying Compliments

Tihana R. (Germany)
38 words 12 learners

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words only definitions & notes
  1. insightful
    exhibiting clear and deep perception
    Delivered wisely and subtly, possessing the three cardinal characteristics (insightful, specific and empathetic), compliments can do wonders, from setting you up for a raise to protecting you when it's downsize time.
  2. grapevine
    gossip spread by spoken communication
    The reliable grapevine will transmit your words to the chief in no time.
  3. revile
    spread negative information about
    Compliments: Your Ace In The Hole Compliments are often reviled in corporate culture because most people don't know how to deliver them well.
  4. construe
    make sense of; assign a meaning to
    How do you ensure others will construe them as such?
  5. bask
    expose oneself to warmth and light, as for relaxation
    And the boss won't worry about others seeing him bask in his ego-stroking elation.
  6. sporadic
    recurring in scattered or unpredictable instances
    Yet these kinds of compliments must be curt and sporadic.
  7. affirmation
    the act of asserting or stating something
    They want affirmation as much as the next guy.
  8. tactical
    pertaining to detailed maneuvers to achieve objectives
    Compliment what he likes For the truly tactical, a good way to compliment your boss is to learn about his interests and engage him in conversation about it.
  9. appreciate
    be fully aware of; realize fully
    Be it the new sports car he's driving or his passion for golf, he'll appreciate the attention.
  10. dominated
    controlled or ruled by superior authority or power
    For women, remember that many still feel they need to overachieve in male-dominated workplaces.
  11. scarce
    deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
    Make Compliments Valuable Be scarce with flattery Why is platinum so expensive?
  12. appreciated
    fully understood or grasped
    Furthermore, doing things in person is always appreciated.
  13. achievement
    the action of accomplishing something
    Keep your flattery professional You should limit your compliments to work-related achievements, since that is people's main function in the office.
  14. pathetic
    deserving or inciting pity
    When given only as attempts to please others or to qualify oneself, compliments can sound pathetic.
  15. ensure
    make certain of
    How do you ensure others will construe them as such?
  16. engage
    consume all of one's attention or time
    Compliment what he likes For the truly tactical, a good way to compliment your boss is to learn about his interests and engage him in conversation about it.
  17. corporate
    of or belonging to a business firm
    Compliments: Your Ace In The Hole Compliments are often reviled in corporate culture because most people don't know how to deliver them well.
  18. subtle
    difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
    If complimenting a woman on her appearance, keep it very, very subtle and professionally distant.
  19. mention
    make reference to
    You can mention she's wearing a nice dress, but never mention body parts, weight or skin conditions, for obvious reasons.
  20. specific
    stated explicitly or in detail
    Delivered wisely and subtly, possessing the three cardinal characteristics (insightful, specific and empathetic), compliments can do wonders, from setting you up for a raise to protecting you when it's downsize time.
  21. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    You have to develop a reputation for tactful honesty.
  22. stroke
    a single complete movement
    And the boss won't worry about others seeing him bask in his ego-stroking elation.
  23. potential
    existing in possibility
    Time Your Praise For some people, like bosses, compliments are better doled out in private, when there are no potential jealous tongue lashers in earshot.
  24. perceive
    become aware of through the senses
    Compliment Your Boss Covertly Complimenting superiors demands more tact, since flattery can easily be perceived as abject ass kissing.
  25. perceived
    detected by instinct or inference
    Compliment Your Boss Covertly Complimenting superiors demands more tact, since flattery can easily be perceived as abject ass kissing.
  26. attempt
    make an effort
    They may see your compliments as an attempt at kissing up and will tarnish your reputation accordingly.
  27. likewise
    in a similar manner
    Likewise, your compliments should remain rare if they are to have any effect.
  28. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    Delivered wisely and subtly, possessing the three cardinal characteristics (insightful, specific and empathetic), compliments can do wonders, from setting you up for a raise to protecting you when it's downsize time.
  29. superior
    of high quality or performance
    Compliment Your Boss Covertly Complimenting superiors demands more tact, since flattery can easily be perceived as abject ass kissing.
  30. ability
    the quality of having the means or skills to do something
    For instance, you may want to compliment a man on his suit, his car or his athletic abilities, if you watched him play a sport.
  31. rare
    especially good, remarkable, or superlative
    Likewise, your compliments should remain rare if they are to have any effect.
  32. attention
    the act of concentrating on something
    People today pay close attention to their appearance, since image is increasingly important.
  33. raise
    move upwards
    Delivered wisely and subtly, possessing the three cardinal characteristics (insightful, specific and empathetic), compliments can do wonders, from setting you up for a raise to protecting you when it's downsize time.
  34. distant
    separated in space or coming from far away
    If complimenting a woman on her appearance, keep it very, very subtle and professionally distant.
  35. advantage
    the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
    Praise him to others You can also use office gossip to your advantage.
  36. instance
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    For instance, you may want to compliment a man on his suit, his car or his athletic abilities, if you watched him play a sport.
  37. policy
    a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
    "By the way, thanks for that e-mail about company policy.
  38. effect
    a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
    Likewise, your compliments should remain rare if they are to have any effect.
Created on Wed Feb 06 07:24:21 EST 2013

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