What is the appropriate response when a subordinate performs well?

• A. Publicly boast about the employee
• B. Privately acknowledge and reinforce the good performance
• C. Assign more work without acknowledgment
• D. Compare with top performers to show gap

Answer: (B)

When someone performs well, private acknowledgment and reinforcement is the most effective response. Giving specific, sincere praise in private shows you notice the exact effort and results, which builds trust, motivates the employee, and clarifies what good performance looks like so they’re likely to repeat it. This approach also avoids putting the person on the spot in front of others, which can cause embarrassment or fuel resentment and jealousy in a team.

Why the other approaches don’t fit as well: publicly boasting can be awkward or feel insincere, and may invite comparison or favoritism concerns. increasing workload without recognition signals that achievement isn’t valued and can lead to burnout. comparing someone to top performers to highlight a gap can demoralize the high performer and harm team dynamics.