How to Reply to “Good job?”

Good Job is a complement said to someone who has achieved something or done something remarkable. It is used regularly to replace congratulations, well done, nice one, nice job, and great job.

The most accurate way to reply to “good job” entirely depends on the environmental context or where the compliment is given. At the workplace, “good job” would require a more professional response, while in the other cases reply would be informal. Detailed answers are outlined below as follows;

How to Reply to "Good job?"

Ways to reply to “good job?”

For example, your manager would commend you when you have done exemplary work, and your reply would not be casual like the one you will give when your brother says “good job” for passing your exams. The replies for “good job” include;

  • Thank you – polite, especially in a formal context.
  • Thank you, I am glad you noticed.
  • Thank you, I feel honored.
  • Appreciate it – formal context.
  • I know, right? – Informal context, when texting your friends and relatives.

Where are people appreciated for incredible performance?

There is no particular place to get a pat on your shoulder. People get praises everywhere. You get praised while in any environment, be it in school, church, playground, office or workplace, etc.

  • Example of the use of “thank you, I put a lot of effort” when replying to “good job”

When your examination results are out and you have passed, somebody would say “good job” and you would respond by saying “thank you, I put a lot of effort.”

  • Example of how to use “appreciate it” when replying to “good job”;

When your team leader tells you “good job” you can respond with “I appreciate it.”

  • Example of how to reply to “good job” with “I know, right?”

When texting your fellow and he text “good job” you could reply with “I know, right?”

  • Example of how to use “thank you” when replying to “good job”

When a manager says “good job”, you can reply with “thank you” because it sounds more professional and polite.

  • Example of how to use “thank you, I feel honored” to reply to “good job”

When you finally graduate and people tell you “good job” you can respond with “thank you, I feel honored”

Does “good job” at the workplace mean that you would get a promotion?

Not necessarily, In certain circumstances, several applauds may lead to promotion when you are consistent. People get promoted when they show that they are competent and able to deliver what the company wants at the expected time.

The manager is likely to promote a hard-working employee to a higher rank, but not the lazy one who relies on the other co-workers.

What to do to get the “good job” admiration from the manager?

  1. Be keen and focused on what you are doing, know your mission and vision, and work towards achieving them.
  2. Ensure that you are self-disciplined, and can work without supervision.
  3. Set realistic targets every day in the morning before you start working, and try to achieve all of them.
  4. Do not strain for the supervisor to notice your effort, a good job is noticeable without having to market it yourself?
  5. Normalize engaging with your fellow employees because teamwork is a fundamental role in the company’s success.

How can you point out a lazy individual from a dedicated individual?

Distinguishing a lazy person from a hardworking one is not easy. You cannot look at someone’s face and tell that he is lazy. It takes time to learn one’s character and conclude that this person is lazy. You need to be aware of the indicators of a lazy individual and that of a hardworking individual.

Lazy people are usually dormant, complain a lot (nag), and are introverted, while a hardworking individual is punctual, hungry for success, and always pushes himself beyond his limits.

Conclusion

When someone tells you “good job,” reply with a “thank you” because it is the most appropriately applicable in all the contexts. It sounds formal and polite as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does saying “good job” motivate someone?

Yes, it does. “Good job” shows an individual that his work matters and is being appreciated, with that “kudos” he feels reenergized and can work even better.

  1. How to handle praise at work?

Show gratitude, do not let it get into your head. People are overwhelmed by the rate at which they are getting praised for their job well done, which leads to overconfidence and not being keen on your work leading to low productivity.

  1. What can be used instead of “good job?”
  • Congratulations – This is often applicable in scenarios like successful research, passing exams, or passing a certain level or stage.
  • Well done – Can be used in all the contexts in that congratulations can be applied.
  • Nice one – It is informal and applicable among peers.
  • Great job – is used in both casual and professional settings. It sounds more mature and respectful.
  • Nice job – It is an informal way, it resembles the use of “nice one.”
  1. Can you tell someone of a higher rank “good job?”

Yes, you can. It shows respect and that you recognize their effort, which many workers in the organization do not see. The executive staffs are usually not monitored like the subordinate and middle-level employees.

  1. Teamwork and individual work, which one is more productive?

Teamwork can be more productive because several heads are reasoning together. Individual work can be a success since there are no ideological differences when making decisions. It does not need arguments and struggles about whose idea should be used.

  1. How to react when applauded?

Tolerating appreciation and living in that moment may seem weird. Applause is better when it comes naturally and is not forced. You can never be happier than when people acknowledge your effort and skills, which is why they applaud you. You should be glad to be appreciated.