I recently received an incredibly cool email of encouragement from a colleague. I’m sure the email took no more than 2 or 3 minutes to write but the impact was tangible and lasting.
It validated my effort. It motivated me. It was unexpected. I smiled when I read it. I decided then and there to work even harder and be more creative the next time.
But more than anything, it inspired me to become better at being an encourager. I realized how many opportunities I have missed to give others the same lift I just experienced. It’s time for me to go out of my way and try to become a full-time encourager.
So using my friend and the recent email I received as a guide, here is what I’m going to start doing more of:
Make the choice. Like just about everything, it will start with making a choice to take the time and put forth a little effort to begin recognizing and encouraging someone. Write the email. Pick up the phone. Stop by and have a chat.
Look for opportunities. I will not need to look far. I’m reminded of one of my first blog posts I ever wrote. It talks about a doorman in our building who stood in the main hallway as people left the building on a Friday night. While people passed by he would flash a big smile and say, “Great work this week!” or “Awesome job today!” He didn’t need to do this but he did. I looked back as people passed him and couldn’t help but notice the smiles from those he just encouraged. Opportunities are everywhere.
Assume everybody needs it. When I start wondering who needs encouragement, I’ll stop myself. Let’s assume everybody needs at least a little recognition and encouragement and go from there.
Give specific examples. In the email I received, my colleague mentioned specifically how what I am doing is meaningful and is making a difference. While the doorman didn’t really know if I was doing a good job or not, I have the opportunity to write or say a few detailed reasons how this person has influenced, inspired, or changed me.
I’m thinking now of the developer who inspired the “Work Your Ass Off” line from my earlier post. His work ethic is staggering and yet I have never said anything to him about how I noticed it and how it affected me. That will change today.
13 replies on “Becoming a Full-Time Encourager”
This is so true. It’s amazing how much harder I work after someone spends two seconds acknowledging it. We have an app that we use to do these kinds of things publicly that you might want to check out: http://www.sparcet.com/
I had the same experience with the doorman at our work. After three months of 70-plus hour weeks, I looked forward to seeing him on Friday mornings. Seeing him reminded me that the weekend was only a day away, and his enthusiasm just made me smile. Many HR surveys have found that employees crave recognition even more that more money. Its amazing what a few words can accomplish.
Hey, I know that doorman! (I used to work there, too!)
[…] Becoming a Full-Time Encourager (Small Gestures = Lasting Impact) […]
For more inspiration on giving encouragement, see this short film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao
Now to start with this myself…
Thanks for this great post! It reminds me so I will do this more often too! Thanks again!
–Ruud
Great video Ruud! Thanks so much for sharing.
[…] for every opportunity to show someone your appreciation when they have made an impact on you. Like many things, it will start with a conscious decision and by taking […]
[…] everyone feel bigger and confident. Be a genuine, full-force encourager. When you encourage someone you give them heart, you give them strength, your give them energy, you […]
[…] team towards self-healing through powerful retrospectives. Knowing how to foster an atmosphere of appreciation and […]
[…] Illuminator. You must also illuminate a path for people to get there. This is more than just being an encourager. The memorable mentor holds us accountable by insuring incremental progress and that we are […]
[…] may be needs you can’t influence but maybe all one needs is to have someone listen and to be encouraged. The Scrum Master can act when others can’t, won’t, or […]
[…] focusing on encouragement, people get bigger and by focusing on social cohesion people gets stronger. This doesn’t mean […]
Such an amazing concept. I actually thought of this but never went further. So many people just need a little encouragement to get to that next step. What could be more rewarding in life then helping others see their true potential.