More than 1 million employees can't be wrong. A Gallup poll of more 1 million employed U.S. workers concluded that the No. 1 reason people quit their jobs is a bad boss or immediate supervisor and the feeling of under appreciation.

"People leave managers not companies...in the end, turnover is mostly a manager issue," Gallup wrote in its survey findings. The effect of poor management is widely felt. Gallup also determined that poorly managed work groups are on average 50 percent less productive and 44 percent less profitable than well-managed groups.

Study after study confirms that workers are more productive and more committed to their jobs when they know that management appreciates their efforts. So why don't we hear compliments in the workplace. It seems all we hear is what we are doing wrong. Well, I came up with a few reasons we don't hear our managers complimenting our work:

1. They are in a habit not to
2. It takes too much time
3. They are focused on other things
4. Many take their people for granted
5. Comfort level
6. No skill at giving compliments
7. Fear of being misinterpreted

The benefits of a well thought out and SINCERE compliment far out weigh the negative fears and lack of skill. I have taught many students in business how to provide good, well thought out and meaningful compliments to others (most all students report this is their favorite session I teach).

Here are some Do's for a great compliment:

1. It has to be sincere. Anyone can tell whether you are sincere or not. If you want this to work, be sincere, that is to say, your only motive is to make the receiver of your compliment feel great about themselves and NOTHING MORE. If you are expecting something back in return, don't bother sharing your compliment, you are not being sincere.
2. When you find an attribute you are impressed with in your employee, state it clearly and then always provide evidence as to why you feel that way or arrived at your conclusion. For example: "Susie, you have a wonderful sense of humor. Last week I was really pushing you on the backlog report and you were able to make a funny joke to lighten the mood. I appreciate your ability to help me see the lighter side at work. Thank you." See how evidence backs up your sincerity too!
3. Limit it to one attribute and do not use compliments in excess. One attribute per compliment is sufficient to make the recipient feel great. Over use of compliments will devalue the other compliments you give. Use proper moderation.
4. Provide the compliment in the appropriate setting. A meeting or group gathering may not be the best venue for a compliment. A private setting, one on one is most likely your safest and most effective venue. You determine was is best for that individual and then make it happen.

When receiving a compliment, a simple "Thank you" is always appropriate. Refrain from saying things like: "You don't know me that well, do you?", "Oh, I could have done better", or "I've got you fooled". These tend to negate the compliment and can insult the one giving the compliment.

Compliments are wonderful ways of expressing your appreciation to your employees. Begin observing what they do well, prepare a compliment with evidence and present the compliment in the appropriate setting and watch the difference in their performance and appreciation for you.

Aaron is a human resources consultant and trainer (to view more blogs go to http://southardandassoc.com/blog)