Going to His Head

One of the lobby workers did something beyond the call of duty. He was the talk of the staff and clients. A few people gave him personal accolades. He deserved it.

A few folks were heard to say, after hearing the story about his feat.
"Don't tell him he did a good job, it will go to his head."
As these folks did not personally know the man, I found the comment strange... and denigrating.

I believe that if he had made a serious error, they would have no problem criticizing him.

I guess this is a common belief. It leads to little or no appreciation for someone doing a good job. An unintended consequence is of course the potentially big headed person becoming apathetic, and performing just enough of the job to not get fired. "WOW, I just did a super job and no one appreciates it, why bother?"

Contributing to our present culture of mediocrity.

Good job people! Way to stifle performance. Does it makes you look or feel more competent? If someone is lionized does that diminish you? Apparently so in your view. So sad.

If the man still continues to do great work despite the lack of appreciation, it is his strength of character. Today, such a thing is awfully old fashioned dude.

Probably lead to him getting a big head.