Leaders willingly offer praise because they know how to receive it graciously. Giving and receiving are parts of the same transaction, of course, and leaders know this. Great leadership doesn't falsely shun praise from an attitude of, "I really don't need affirmation," because they know the opposite is true.
    It is as important for the leader to receive praise as it is for the follower to give it, and for the leader to offer praise as it is the follower receive it. Affirmation, when appropriately and freely given and received, is a sure indicator of genuine and strong relationships born of great decisions to build people.
    If your followers offer thanks and praise to you, accept it with sincere gratitude. They are viewing your willingness to receive and will see the value of the praise you offer.