The same author who wrote about Millionaire Next Door, wrote a book talking about selling to high net worth individuals. The book tells how finding something the client is good at and appreciating them is a very effective and ignored step.
A friend told me: “you mean flattery”
One takes the effort to see the details of the client’s achievement. What is it that was done well and what details can I notice to let them know I cared. I spent time and effort.
Then, it is no more flattery. It is not an empty set of words. It was my life through time and effort.
Similarly with a student or coaching client, just telling them how good they are, how great or amazing they are is irrelevant.
If the teacher or coach hasn’t taken time to separate the details on which to praise or appreciate, it is empty. They need to consider if they really care about the job and the client.
Was it that move that they couldn’t do but can today? If yes, what is the next step? That way both appreciation and next step are rolled into one, natural, genuine step.