Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the most successful British football managers of all time.
He won 38 major trophies and was manager of Manchester United for more than 26 years.
For all the trophies, the tactics, and the legendary halftime speeches, Sir Alex Ferguson said the two most powerful words he ever used as a coach were simply: “Well done.”
Not complicated. Not dramatic. Just clear praise in two words.
Well done weighs more than people realise. It’s not over the top. It’s not emotional. It’s not American-style enthusiasm.
It’s quiet.
It’s measured.
And when it comes from someone you respect, it lands.
“Well done” means:
I saw what you did. I value it. Keep going.
Ferguson used it to build trust, confidence, and loyalty. He didn’t praise players lavishly.
But players ran through walls for him.
Used at the right moment, “well done” shows leadership, recognition, and emotional intelligence, without sounding cheesy or forced.
Well done for reading this.
What language do you think motivates others best?
This week’s three tips:
SOMETHING TO AVOID 🫣
🤦🏻♀️ “Congratulations for the promotion”
You might think felicidades por or enhorabuena por, so it would be logical for you to say for.
✅ “Congratulations on the promotion”
Make sure you say on instead.
This an easy one to fix, so make sure not to distract from the message when you’re trying to praise someone.
You can also say congrats, for short.
Congrats on the new job
SOMETHING TO SOUND CONFIDENT 🧐
👔 Business expressions
“Credit where it’s due”
To recognise someone’s work or contribution fairly, especially when their effort made a real difference.
You use this expression when you want to shine a light on someone’s achievement, especially when their contribution might otherwise go unnoticed.
Credit where it’s due, she handled that client brilliantly
SOMETHING TO WATCH 👀
NEXT STEP ➡️
LOOKING FOR MORE?🔎
Keep learning,
Jack & Krystallo
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