Ten Thoughts I Use to Encourage Others:
Over the years I have noticed people who have the ability and skill to do a task or assignment often lack the confidence to tackle the job before them. If they are a writer they may fear putting words on paper. If an analyst, they may hesitate or question themselves before solving a problem or recommending a solution.
I have found that a little encouragement helps them achieve their goals and do their job. Here are ten thoughts on how I encourage others.
1. Show real interest in the person.
- Listen to what they are saying.
- Be interested in what is happening in their life, the challenge they are facing.
- Let them know you care.
2. Concede what’s important to them.
- When you acknowledge what’s important to others, you offer a form of verification and support about who they are and what they’re doing.
- A good technique I use is simply to restate their question or challenge and then allow them to talk it through,
3. Say “congratulations.”
- These magical “Words of Encouragement” at the right time can make all the difference between “keep going” and “give up.”
- Congratulate them on a job or task well done.
4. Be there for them.
- Sometimes the “ministry of your presence” is all they need.
- Just being there for them is encouraging.
- Many times all they need is a listening ear to talk through the issue or task.
5. Say “Thank You.”
- Saying thank you is common courtesy.
- It is good manners.
- People like a little reward for hard work.
- I have done it for years.
- A simple thank you will make others aware that you know what they have done worthwhile and find it meaningful to you.
6. Return the favor.
- If someone does something nice for you, an excellent way to show your appreciation is simply to return the favor.
- It will both shock and encourage them.
- Note: don’t ever do something expecting someone to return the favor for you.
7. Answer with something unexpected.
- I have a phrase I have used for years … love them from where they are to where they need to be!
- Even when others let me down or they know I know they “dropped the ball” I don’t tell them so, I usually pick the ball up for them.
- It is amazing the long-term results this can have in encouraging someone.
8. Be a “good finder.”
- A good finder is a person who looks for the good, not the bad in a person or a situation.
- An example would be if a person is always late to meetings, but makes in on time to your meeting instead of saying “About time you attended a meeting on time” say “I really appreciate the extra effort you made to get here on time” without any reference to their normal tardiness.
9. Smile.
- Have you ever experienced the magic of a simple smile?
- Have you ever noticed how when you smile at someone they smile back?
- Share an encouraging smile.
10. Offer to lend a hand.
- You can offer to lend a hand.
- Sometimes a person feels like the weight of the world is on their shoulders and no one cares.
- Show them you really care.
- You can be there for them.
- If a person gives me an excessive workload I usually ask them if there is anything else I can do for them when I finish the job. I do not complain about the amount of work.
What are some ways you encourage others? Please share your suggestions in the comments.
Photo Source: Pixaby
