Issue #15, September 24, 2009
The need for affirmation and encouragement is so vital to our existence that physician George Adams called encouragement “oxygen to the soul.” The leaders of a Jewish synagogue were so eager for encouragement that they told Barnabas and Paul, “Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak.” (Acts 13:15) Every leader does well to reflect on the power of encouragement to shape lives.
Encouragement meets a basic human need.
We all have a need to be recognized and affirmed, for someone to believe in us and to tell us we are significant. When someone encourages us it meets this basic need and provides hope for the future. In my file cabinet I have a special folder titled “Encouragement.” In the folder I put every letter or card I receive that contains encouraging words. Encouragement is too good to throw away.
Encouragement empowers others.
The power of encouragement is that it ‘puts courage in’ others. When a leader believes in someone and communicates words of encouragement to a follower, it creates a powerful force to bring out the best in that person. A leader who affirms the ability of the follower speaks life to them and calls forth their best.
Encouragement increases influence.
Since everyone needs encouragement and is strengthened by it, we gravitate towards those in our lives who provide encouragement. They exert an irresistible influence on us and we willingly follow them. Conversely, we stay away from those who discourage us. Think about how this applies to you as a leader. The more you encourage, the more people will want to be with you and to follow your lead. Encouragement increases your level of influence.
All effective leaders master the art of encouragement but servant leaders do it better and for different reasons. Servant leaders are master encouragers because they are free to focus on others and to meet their needs including the basic human need for encouragement. Servant leaders seek to help others develop their fullest potential and therefore see the best in others and call this forth from their lives. Servant leaders have a strong sense of personal security in their identity with Christ that allows them to freely affirm the good they see in others without diminishing themselves in the process. Servant leaders want to increase their ability to influence, not for personal gain, but so that others in the organization will develop their full potential in Christ. They leverage their influence to advance the cause of God’s kingdom. They serve with encouragement.
Look around you today for someone who can use a word of encouragement. Take the time to write a short note of affirmation, send an email or make a phone call. Perhaps it is appropriate to give public recognition or thanks. Don’t forget those closest to you, your family! Bring life to someone today with an encouraging word.
For further reflection and discussion:
- How well am I doing in the art of encouragement?
- What is it that keeps me from encouraging others more? (Is it personal insecurity, neglect, failure to see potential in others, or something else?)
- What else can I do today to encourage someone around me?
- What will it take for encouragement to become a good habit in my life?