It's Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty

Over the years I have noticed people with ability and skill to do a task or an assignment often lack the confidence to tackle the job before them. If they are a writer, they may fear to put 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 make their goals and do their job. Here are ten thoughts on how I encourage others.

1. Show a Sincere Interest in the Person.

• Listen to what they are saying.
• When they are talking, look at them not your smart phone.
• Be interested in what is happening in their life, the challenge(s) they are facing.
• Let them know you care.

2. Acknowledge What’s Important. 

• 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 proper technique I use is merely to restate their question or challenge and then allow them to talk it through.
• Follow-up and ask how it’s going, are they making progress.
• Do not share similar circumstances you have lived through or had a friend or family member survive. It’s about them, not you!

3. Say “Congratulations.”

• These magical “Words of Encouragement” at the right time can make all the difference between a person “keeping going” and “giving up.”
• Congratulate them on a job or task well done. This recognition can be as simple as thanking them for meeting a deadline.
• A “Post-It” note or email congratulatory word has fantastic results.
• Give a person the credit they’ve earned. Do not claim it for yourself.

4. Be There. 

• 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.
• Let them know “you have there back.” Many times these simple acts share hope.

5. Say “Thank You.”

• Saying thank you is a common courtesy.
• It is good manners.
• People like a little reward for hard work.
• 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 sweet for you, an excellent way to show your appreciation is merely to return the favor.
• Returning a favor will both shock and encourage them.
• Consider bringing them a coffee or offering to help them with their next project or routine tasks when they have a short deadline or a heavy workload. You might take their “on-call” where they can have a weekend break instead of swapping weekends with 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.
• If something went wrong, help them focus on the solution instead of assigning blame.
• It is incredible 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 usual tardiness.
• A good finder affirms their coworkers or friends.
• People will gravitate toward you where you’re a “good finder” as you’ll become someone who makes others feel good.

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.
• Smiling will transform your own attitude as well.

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 by being 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 friends or coworkers? These techniques also work with your spouse or partner. Please share your suggestions in the comments.

What are some ways you encourage other? Post your actions in the comments. They just might enocourge someone!

Photo Source: Pixaby