Daily Tip 17 - Advent Calendar 2025 (Public praise - Private coaching)

Day 17: Praise Publicly, Coach Privately which is a Simple Leadership Habit That Builds Trust

One of the most powerful leadership habits doesn’t require a course, a budget, or a new system. It simply requires intention.

Even the words 'Thank You' is a lovely way to show gratitude and praise.

Praise publicly. Coach privately.

Public praise builds confidence, motivation and morale. It shows people they are valued and recognised for their contributions. Private coaching, on the other hand, protects dignity and creates a safe space for growth.

Why this approach works:

1. Public recognition boosts engagement

2. Private feedback feels supportive, not exposing

3. Trust grows on both sides

4. Teams feel psychologically safe

5. Performance improves naturally

This isn’t just for formal leaders. It applies to anyone who influences others — managers, business owners, mentors, project leads, and even peers.

Public praise might look like:

• A quick mention in a meeting

• A positive message in a group chat

• A LinkedIn shout-out

• A simple “thank you” shared openly

So your challenge today is to:

1. Publicly recognise someone for something specific they’ve done well

2. Save any corrective feedback for a private conversation

Leadership isn’t about authority... It’s about how people feel when they work with you.

This habit helps build a culture of respect and confidence.

Hazel, Empowering Your Circle