1) Bellard is
2) avoid qualifiers in personal compliments (unless ironic)
I don’t agree with 2). It’s ok to qualify. Sounds sycophantic to not do it.
You can find a formulation that doesn't sound sycophantic without including a qualifier that could be misinterpreted as backhanded, because on a bad day it will be.
(Especially if you are complimenting a person with ADHD.)
"You will be lucky to get this man to work for you."
I don’t agree with 2). It’s ok to qualify. Sounds sycophantic to not do it.
You can find a formulation that doesn't sound sycophantic without including a qualifier that could be misinterpreted as backhanded, because on a bad day it will be.
(Especially if you are complimenting a person with ADHD.)
"You will be lucky to get this man to work for you."