Encouraging Others

Managing people is challenging, and we’re all looking for ways to have more impact. I recently came across a book I’ve had for a long time called 25 Ways to Win with People, How to Make Others Feel Like a Million Bucks by John C. Maxwell and Les Parrott, Ph.D. It is a quick read and is filled with stories, great examples, and ideas to try to encourage others.

One of my favorites is the chapter describes a simple rule to follow. Within 30 seconds of a conversation, say something encouraging to the other person. 

The authors suggest that by giving them “attention, affirmation, and appreciation” you will have a positive impact on others. Of course, your encouragement, which is positive feedback, must be genuine and as specific as possible.  According to the authors, research shows that encouraging others is motivating and actually gives them energy.  

To highlight this, they shared an example of the great NFL coach, Vince Lombardi, who was known as a strict disciplinarian but also a great motivator. After practice one day, he reprimanded a player about his performance in a practice but followed it up with, “One of these days, you’re going to be the best guard in the NFL.”  That player was Jerry Kramer who said he carried that encouragement throughout his hall of fame career.  He said, “Lombardi’s encouragement had a tremendous impact on my whole life. 

This chapter ends with these ideas:

• “Forget about searching for ways to make yourself look good. Instead, search for ways to make others look good.”
• “Ask what positive, encouraging thing can I say to each person I will see today?”
• “Give everyone you meet attention, affirmation, and appreciation.”
• “Remember within the first 30 seconds of a conversation, say something encouraging.”

Try this out with people you meet and most of all, with the people you manage. Say something that will encourage them as quickly as you can in any conversation. See what impact this has on them and how positively people respond to you. I’d love it if you let us know how this works for you.