What are the Key Elements of Effective Positive Reinforcement?
Effective positive reinforcement should be timely, specific, and genuine. Timeliness ensures that the connection between the behavior and the reward is clear. Specificity helps the individual understand exactly what they did well, and genuine praise builds trust and credibility. For instance, rather than simply saying, "Good job," a nurse might say, "I really appreciate how you handled that difficult situation with compassion and professionalism."
