I actually respond pretty well to a well-timed "atta girl". The thing that makes it valuable is when it's in response to something difficult that I actually did. It's nice to know that someone noticed and appreciates it. Being praised for just anything negates the value of praise, or being praised inappropriately. ("Way to open that file!" "Uh. Thanks?") But if I feel that no one ever notices or appreciates how hard I'm working, I will become discouraged and like my job less.