“The best way to inspire people to superior performance is to convince them by everything you do and by your everyday attitude that you are wholeheartedly supporting them.” – Harold Geneen
Recently I was having a discussion with colleagues about how to encourage others. When a person is doing a great job, it is easy to encourage him or her. However, when someone is doing poorly, encouragement is even more vital. It can be easy to point out where the person is lacking and show them how to correct it. But this may not motivate the person to change for the better. When people have a lack, we need to also point out the greater potential that we see in them. This is encouragement.
How to encourage others:
Encourage Others to Change by Refining Strengths
Our greatest potentials lie within our greatest struggles. We often focus on and become critical of the problem, but usually the problem is just a symptom. Look deeper for an underlying strength that needs to be refined.
One of my clients owns a health service practice. She struggled with boundaries with her time. Her clinic ran like a whirlwind, she felt guilty about finding time for her family and her personal health had declined. All of these struggles were actually pointing to her strength. This person has a strength in empathy. When she learned to focus her strength with balance and priority, then life began to flow and not be a constant stress. She expanded her practice by adding other staff with strengths that balance her empathy. She also learned how to make her empathy be a competitive advantage for her business by being known for a culture of compassion. She learned to prioritize her time with empathy so that she could also give to her family and herself.
Encourage Others to Change by Naming Their Potential
People make mistakes. We all need correction and training to learn and grow. But if we only point out what is wrong, people begin to see only what is wrong. Then they lose hope. Correction always needs to be accompanied with a future vision of the person.
I have a client who has the potential to be a dynamic leader who can connect people together for a common mission. Influencing is a strength for her. However, she can struggle with exaggeration and creating drama. If I only point out her negatives, she will see herself as a negative. It is by seeing her potential that she gains courage to change.
When you confront someone with a mistake, make sure you also speak specifically about the potential you see in them. You will feel their confidence and motivation rise.
Encourage Others to Change by Praising When They Do It Right
Change your radar of awareness. We often get conditioned to see when something is wrong. We then take for granted when something goes well. Develop your awareness to notice greatness. Notice when things go right. Be grateful.
Next, you need to encourage others by praising them for doing it well. However, don’t stop there. When you point out a good job, show them how what they did is an indicator of them reaching their greater potential. This deeply encourages others by expressing appreciation for not only what they did but for being who they are.
Encouraging others is an opportunity to inspire those around you to superior performance and to be their best. How will you encourage others today? Please share your examples.