Acknowledging someone doesn't mean gushing over them and touting superlatives that aren't warranted. It's also not about empty phrases like "good job." Offering acknowledgment and praise works best when you're factual, pointing out specifics that made an impact. For example, instead of telling someone, "You did a good job on that report," which lacks any type of facts or specifics, you could say: "I wanted to compliment you on your report. It detailed the topic in a clear way, gave a strong call to action at the end, and was visually appealing in the layout." The more specific you are in your praise, the more meaningful it is for the employee. In addition to making the person feel important, your words are providing clear feedback on what success looks like, so employees can duplicate it in the future.