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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-praise-public-correct-private

What is the classic leadership rule about praise and correction?

Praise in public, correct in private.

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  1. Praise in private, correct in public
  2. Praise in public, correct in private ✔
  3. Skip praise so people stay humble

Why: Public praise motivates the person and shows teammates what good work looks like. A public scolding is more likely to breed resentment than improvement, so corrections happen privately.

Huh, didn't know that: Challenge coins are a popular way to say 'great job.'

The dad joke
Why did the leader whisper the correction? Loud feedback echoes for weeks.
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References

Answer: Praise in public, correct in private. Public praise motivates the person and shows teammates what good work looks like. A public scolding is more likely to breed resentment than improvement, so corrections happen privately.

  1. Learn to Lead Volume 2, Chapter 4, Supervision and Constructive Discipline (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Vol2LetterLowFinal_8BDFDB373E830.pdf
    Praise in Public, Correct in Private. This is one of the fundamental laws of leadership.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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