The value of praise?

Just recently met with a primary head who freely admits he can't think of a better way to spend his time than giving stickers to pupils and hearing about their successes. Or at least a more rewarding way of spending his time. And walking into the school you can simply feel the warmth and care this belief engenders, with that wonderful sound of happy children as a soundtrack to the day.
Yet budget management, strategy, policy, protocols, standards, target-setting and monitoring are all part of a modern school. I'm sure for many these pressures are so intense that it feels there simply isn't enough time to spend personally congratulating individual children. Sure, leadership is about more than saying well done to all and sundry, but it has to be central to all other parts of school life. Thank you Alan for keeping that flame burning brightly; it's reflected in the laughter and feelings of self-worth of so many children.