Be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. – Jim Stovall
Niklas Bildhauer via Compfight
When invited to speak about how to accelerate personal development one question I pose is this: “What got you here?”
With limited time, I narrow the focus by urging them to consider these questions:
- What is one THING in your Story you are grateful for?
- Who is one PERSON of Influence in your Story?
What the world needs now…
What happens when you create space to do this reflective exercise?
What I have in mind is encouragement. When I identify something I am grateful for or someone of influence gratitude grows and I am encouraged … how about you?
Yes, the song reminds us of what the world needs — “love, sweet love”. But it is not “…the only thing that there’s just too little of.”
Have you ever been over-encouraged?
Jim Stovall, quoted at the top of this article, does exactly what he promotes: he is an encourager. Leaders are like that, leaders encourage others.
If you do not know Jim, Steve Forbes, Jr. writes, “He is one of the most extraordinary men of our era.” A few highlights from his Story:
- First, Jim lost his sight at age 29
- He is an advocate for the blind
- An international Motivational Speaker he has shared the stage with Zig Ziglar, General Colin Powell, Christopher Reeve, Tony Robbins and so many more
- Bestselling author, with book 18 to be released – Fiction Reflects Life
- In 1988 he launched the Narrative Television Network which provides access to 13 million blind and visually impaired people in the United States. By adding the voice of a narrator describing the visual elements of the story greater enjoyment of television shows and movies is available
- Three of his books have been made into major motion pictures
As a leader, Jim is one of my “Persons of Influence”.
How do leaders encourage?
When encouragement is flowing between people great things happen.
- Encouragers give confidence, hope, or courage to others
- Encouragers urge others to take action or to persevere
- Encouragers give assistance to help get things done
- Encouragers promote the best in others
What our world needs now is love and encouragement.
As I think about Jim’s encouragement in my Story, his words and actions demonstrate the Four Ways Leaders Encourage.
- Time – over a period of months we discussed ideas for growing my executive coaching practice
- Generous – he gave me copies of several of his books
- Involved – on April 29, 2010, we shared the stage at NLEC’s first event: The Lemonade Journey
- Contribution – in 2011 Jim wrote the forward to my second book, The People Project
Guess what … the encouragement continues as I reflect on this part of the Story.
Jim,
As a highly respected leader, thank you for the encouragement; you supported my journey giving me confidence and hope and courage to persevere, to take action.
You helped me get things done and believed in me, my vision, and my talent as an executive coach. Thank you for being person of influence; you are a Leader Who Encourages.
Gratefully,
Steve
Who is a person of influence in your Story?
Who will you, as a leader, encourage today?
Would you please forward to a friend or colleague?
Have you picked up your copy of my new book?
THE PEOPLE PROJECT:
Your Guide to Changing Behavior and Growing Your Influence as a Leader
Steve,
I like what you said about encouragement. You asked have you ever felt over-encouraged and it made me remember a boss who used to give me compliments every day. It began to feel insincere because what I really wanted was honest feedback even on things where I wasn’t so good.
This isn’t to take away from your message on encouragement because yes, I believe everyone deserves to be encouraged and we all play a part in doing that for people every day.
Thanks Lynn for entering the conversation…I had not thought about an “over-the-top” encourager, but see your point.
The need for leaders to encourage is so those they influence have courage to face the “resistance” and take action.
Execellent point, encouragement must be authentic if it is to bring the best out of others and help them be successful.