When British colleagues give you positive feedback, it will probably sound understated compared to what you might expect. “Good work” or “well done” is genuine appreciation—don’t wait for superlatives that may never come. Excessive praise (“This is absolutely brilliant!”) actually undermines credibility in British culture; it sounds performative or manipulative.
The vocabulary is finely graded. “Brilliant” is strong praise, reserved for genuinely exceptional work. “Very good” is solidly positive. “Quite good” is decent but not outstanding.
“Not bad” can be genuine appreciation. Learn to hear restrained praise as meaningful rather than as faint praise—British colleagues are giving you real positive feedback, just without the volume turned up. And when you receive praise, deflect it modestly rather than accepting with visible satisfaction.
Comments