I'll probably say it's just magic, with a mysterious look on my face.
It is funny. Hehe. So you are not ready to share your strategies.
I think the gesture of state manager is laudable. Giving appreciation where it is due is important I think. I felt it a bit strange that you drove the feelings like complacency from the response of the manager. I think such an appreciation is a reason for more motivation. You realize that someone has witnessed your skills and now you have more responsibility to maintain that image and expectations.
It's not my job to train the National Manager, if the company decide they'd like to double my salary and add National Manager Trainer to my business card then I'll be happy to divulge over thirty years of experience and expertise to the National Manager.
I liked what my State Manager did, I respect it, but I motivate myself by feeling a little uncomfortable, meaning I don't rest on my previous results. It works.
Makes sense