Encouragement

“Be an encourager. The world has enough critics already” Dave Willis

It is so easy to get bogged down in the day to day that some we can forget to see the good right in front of us. Perhaps that’s what Dave Willis means when he refers to the critics. We moan and gripe to the extent that when someone presents us with something, we can respond with the one thing that might have been an insignificant flaw, far outweighed by all the positives. In doing that it breaks down relationships and challenges resilience in those around you. Even if there is a flaw a response delivered in an encouraging manner can open up opportunities for learning and a strengthening of a respectful relationship.

This does not have to apply to one area of life, it can be far reaching. Encouraging those we interact with does need to be honest though. Speak the truth and understand that ultimately the person you are interacting with will make their own choice, but you have provided them with a view that they can work on.

On a project our resilience can sometimes start to flag, so offer encouragement offer a stock-take with the person on their journey. Summarise where they have been, where they are now and ultimately a timely reminder of the goal or vision they are aiming for. This can really make a difference to someone, as change doesn't happen overnight and, like an athlete there can be a “wall” moment that just needs that extra push to see it through. With any journey, you take people with you on the way, if you are one of those people, then some feedback that the vision is still shining bright can really support that feeling of being in it together.

So why not try changing your inner critic, to an outward encourager and see the difference - enjoy.

JC

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