How To Use Praise In Microsoft Teams

Giving praise on Microsoft Teams is an excellent method for recognizing and inspiring your coworkers. As someone who has been utilizing Teams for some time now, I can confirm the uplifting influence praise can have on team spirit and effectiveness. In this article, I will lead you through the steps of utilizing praise on Microsoft Teams, and also offer some personal thoughts and perspectives throughout.

Step 1: Choose the right moment

Praising someone at the right moment can make a significant difference. Whether it’s recognizing a job well done, celebrating a milestone, or expressing gratitude, timing is key. I personally find it effective to offer praise during team meetings or in the moment when a colleague goes above and beyond expectations.

Step 2: Utilize the praise feature

Microsoft Teams provides a built-in feature specifically designed for praising team members. To access this feature, simply navigate to the chat or channel where you want to send the praise message. Then, click on the “Format” button located at the bottom of the message box.

Next, click on the “Praise” option, which will open a new window with various categories to choose from. Microsoft Teams offers a range of praise categories such as “Above and Beyond,” “Great Job,” “Teamwork,” and more. Pick the category that best suits the accomplishment and click on it to proceed.

Once you’ve selected the category, a list of badges related to that category will be displayed. Choose the appropriate badge and add a personal message to accompany it. This is the perfect opportunity to add your own personal touches and commentary. You can mention specific details about the accomplishment, highlight the impact it had on the team or project, or simply express your appreciation.

Step 3: Send and share the praise

After you’ve composed your praise message, click on the “Send” button to share it with the intended recipient(s). By default, the praise message will be posted in the chat or channel where you initiated the process. However, you can also choose to send it privately to an individual by selecting their name from the recipient list.

Additionally, Microsoft Teams allows you to further amplify the recognition by enabling the “Send Praise Email” option. This will send an email notification to the recipient(s) and their manager, ensuring that the praise is not only acknowledged within Teams but also reaches their inbox. This feature is particularly valuable when you want to give public recognition to someone’s exceptional work.

Conclusion

Praising others in Microsoft Teams is not only a simple gesture but also a powerful tool for fostering a positive and supportive work environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the most of the praise feature and add personal touches to your messages. Remember, appreciation goes a long way in building strong and motivated teams.