I express admiration when they are talking about their successful projects, tips&tricks, improvisation what they made in order to solve the problem… 

Most of people (I am trying not to say “everyone”) have the need for admiration (moderate form of “Narcissistic personality disorder” in this case ) 

So, I use phrases like:

“That’s wonderful! How you did that?”

“I admire the way you handled that” 

“Amazing!” or “Unbelievable!”

“I never heard anything like that!”

“You were thinking about everything”

“Will be easy to work with you”

Etc. etc.

At work, we all have a sense of self-importance (without us, everything will stop: “They will see if I leave a company… they will never have someone like me, EVER…”) and we need constructive admiration, recognition or positive feedback. Most of the time, people don’t get them from their Managers.
So, I take their role and give my clients what they need  

Someone recognized how clever they are, how important for the company they are, how smart they are…

Don’t you think it’s quite enough for them to call you back, that they want to give you a chance or to work with you? It is only one part of the puzzle in your strategy… Think about it. It’s not difficult

Applause please
L.J.

(Applause machine by Martin Smith)