What are some simple ways we can encourage and champion others?
What does that mean? It means taking the time to stop and encourage and uplift each other both personally and professionally. Encouragement truly goes straight to the heart. The word itself comes from a combination of the prefix “en” which means “to put into” and the Latin root “for” which means “heart”. When we take the time to genuinely encourage others it can go straight to the heart.
I think we often get confused on what encouragement really is. I don’t think encouragement is saying things like this: “Great job!” “Well done.” “Way to go!” Those types of words are great but they are more “rewards” than encouragement. I think encouragement is telling others that you believe them even before they start. Whether you are a company leader, a parent, a mentor, a business partner or a friend, your words hold immense power. Think about this, when was the last time you heard this statement, “I am proud of you.” When is the last time you said those words to someone? They are 5 words that can truly make a difference.
What are some simple ways we can encourage and champion others? Here are a few ideas for you. I encourage you to put at least one of these into action this week with someone important to you.
1.) Be truly interested. One of the greatest ways to encourage others is to let them know you really care. How can you do that? You ask “specific” questions about them, their life, their business and their dreams. Don’t use the standard phrases : “How are you?” “How is your day?” Try to ask questions that show more specific interest. “How is the new project going for you?” “What did you love most about your vacation?” “What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?“ Specific questions let others know that we are really paying attention.
2.) Tell them in Writing. A couple of months ago I was the closing keynote for the Studer Leadership Conference. One of the things I love about working with them is they encourage hand written notes.I love it. When is the last time you sent a handwritten thank you note to someone in your life? I know it’s easy to do an email but I challenge you to send one hand written note of encouragement this week. I promise you that it will mean more than you will ever know.
3.) Praise in Public. If you have the opportunity to really point out a job well done in public, please do it. I know it’s really easy to shy away from that for many reasons. If you have the opportunity to give an encouraging word in front of co-workers, friends, family or anyone else, I urge you to do it.
I meet so many fascinating people as I travel and last week flying home from California I had the honor of sitting by a delightful couple from Southern California. They had such a wonderful, positive energy and we sat and talked for a couple of hours. We shared books we were reading and seminars that we have attended. Joy shared with me that she had seen me in the airport and thought about coming and telling me she thought I looked really nice. She told me that she talked herself out of it because she was afraid I would think it was weird. It was so amazing that she ended up sitting next to me. Honestly, I was tired, and just her telling me that story encouraged me. I reminded her to always follow that lead when she is prompted to share a word of encouragement with someone else. I encourage you to do the same.
In our fast paced world it’s easy to just think about our “to do” lists and everything that we have going on in our lives. I urge you to take just a few seconds this week and make it a priority to reach out and encourage someone else. Think about what a positive impact we can make together if everyone that is reading this message reaches out and encourages just one other person. I hope you will join with me to champion someone else this week.
Dale Smith Thomas
Learn more about Dale Smith Thomas HERE