Encouragement and Strength

Many people see an encourager as someone who is weak. You see this especially in the corporate world when leadership is often looked at as a top-down, "do as I say not as I do" chain of command. However, real leadership understands that without front line people no job or goals will be accomplished.

A leader must be an encourager. A leader shows strength as he encourages his or her team. Being an encourager doesn't mean that you're a pushover, it means just the opposite. Using the power of encouragement in leadership means that goals will be set, pursued, and accomplished. The leader must encourage team members to stay on task. The leader must assure the team members that any obstacle can be overcome. The days of barking out orders and doing nothing as a leader are over. People want to see authentic leaders get their hands dirty in the trenches with them.

Some of the most inspirational documentaries I have ever watched were about the training of the elite Special Forces that serve our country. One particular documentary showed a soldier in training struggling with claustrophobia. The soldier was required to lay on his back and push himself through a tunnel with his feet while at the same time being covered with muddy water. The soldier froze with fear. To help this soldier overcome the obstacle, the leader got down alongside the soldier and together they pushed through the tunnel to emerge victorious on the other side. In the same way, by harnessing the power of encouragement you as a leader bring strength to the organization.

Here are some things to keep in mind concerning encouragement and strength:

• Encouragement Is A Sign of Strength - When the leader encourages, he shows true strength.
• Encouragement Is A Sign of Courage - When the leader harnesses encouragement he demonstrates courage because he comes alongside his team and shows them there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
• Encouragement Is A Sign of Vision - When a leader encourages, he demonstrates vision. Encouraging his team shows that he believes the goal in front of the team is going to be accomplished.
• Encouragement Is A Sign of Integrity - When the leader encourages his team, he demonstrates a willingness to have vision and to implement that vision. Implementing vision is a sign of integrity.

I want to encourage you to harness the power of encouragement. If you are a leader, speak words of life to your team. Build your team with words of encouragement and with demonstrations of appreciation. When you do, you will lead with an understanding that your goals will become reality.

Be Encouraged,
Rick

Encouragement and Perseverance

Have you ever just wanted to quit? Maybe a difficult circumstance or even difficult people have caused you to feel like throwing in the towel. Perseverance depends on being encouraged. There are times when people or circumstances create fear, anxiety, and frustration. When this happens the temptation is to quit but the power of encouragement feeds perseverance. When you encourage somebody you help them to persevere, which in turn brings incredible results!

When you harness encouragement to help somebody persevere, new levels of achievement are created. The power of an encouraging word pushes people past discouragement. Encouraging words help people to overcome and press on. Webster’s dictionary defines perseverance as “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”

The power of encouragement pushes people past their failures and opposition to achieve success in spite of all the difficulties. In leadership, encouragement is an asset not a weakness. People at all levels of leadership should learn how to encourage. Encouragement empowers others.

Think of the following as you lead others to persevere:

• Encouragement Motivates - Encouragement motivates people to push past boundaries that normally would prevent them from achieving their goals.
• Encouragement Empowers - Encouragement empowers people to take control of the negative circumstance and turn it around. It empowers people to move beyond the norm.
• Encouragement Fosters Perseverance - Every leader will lead people through the land of perseverance. There will be difficult times and what looks like impossible odds. The power of encouragement fosters perseverance so that whatever lay before us can be overcome.
• Encouragement Fosters Courage - The power of encouragement fosters courage. It takes courage to face a difficult circumstance and to overcome fear, frustration and anxiety. It is the power of encouragement that fosters the courage to develop, dream, and succeed.
• Encouragement Renders Results - When you lead a team you have to be the encourager. You must help those that follow believe that the critical circumstance can be overcome. It may take out-of-the-box thinking. It may take new ways of looking at things. When you harness the power of encouragement you lead others and organizations to new places.

You will meet people who need to persevere. I challenge you to encourage perseverance. If you are leading an organization you are responsible for that organization persevering. Whatever the circumstance, harness the power of encouragement to open doors of possibilities.

Be Encouraged,

Rick

Encouragement and Freedom

Did you know that using the gift of encouragement brings freedom? There are many things that hold us captive in life and so many things pressing into our life that rob us of our joy. The power of encouragement creates freedom for both the one who gives the encouragement and for the one who receives encouragement.

Negativity surrounds us all the time and speaks into our life constantly. What if we harnessed all that negativity and packaged it into intermittent words of encouragement? I once had a part-time job as a chat facilitator. It's a customer service job that deals with negativity much of the time. My job was to type instructions to front line customer service agents that are receiving phone calls. What they often feel is negativity from both the customer and from the company. I decided to harness the power of encouragement and post encouraging phrases in the chat room while our customer service agents received calls.

What happened next was a surprise. I really didn't think anyone would pay attention. I posted simple things like “You guys rock!” and I started receiving chat messages back like, “Thank you! Very few people tell us that! You rock too!”  It's amazing - when you use the power of encouragement to free yourself from negativity it also frees everyone around you. It's like a bird being released from a cage.

Here are some reasons why practicing encouragement is such a freeing experience:

• You Are Set Free from Negativity - If we're not careful, we can become agents of negativity simply by association. I've always been told we are no more effective than those we put around us. You will draw positive people by being encouraging and positive yourself.
• You Set Others Free from Negativity - By harnessing the power of encouragement and using it in everyday life you're able to set the pace for others to follow.
• You Are Set Free From the Norm - What if somebody makes fun of you for being an encourager? So what! Go against the grain! Speak positive words to everyone you meet! Swim against the current of negativity and emerge gifting others with the power of encouragement.
• You Are Set Free from Discouragement – Negativity is the source of much of the discouragement that we feel in our lives.  It can stem from negative experiences, negative words from others, or a pattern of negativity you've set for yourself. I hate feeling discouraged! I want to be free from discouragement as much as possible so I can see the path in front of me.
• You Are Set Free to See True Potential - I don't like being around people that put others down. I believe that in leadership we must be trained to see the potential in every person. Everyone has something to offer that is positive. When I harness the power of encouragement I am set free to see true potential in everyone.

Be empowered today to give the gift of encouragement to others around you. You will be excited to see how new paths develop for the person you're speaking life into, and for yourself as well.

Be Encouraged,

Rick

Encouragement and Frustration

Have you ever come to the end of your rope? Have you ever faced circumstances or situations that create total frustration and make it appear as if there is no hope? I have felt those feelings many times. I have had friends and family feel those emotions at times. Frustration is a part of life that we cannot escape.

Many people that you will associate with carry frustration and will need to be encouraged. Frustration is a sure sign of anger carried within a person. You get angry when something unplanned or unfortunate happens. The anger may subside, but you still carry frustration over the incident. This frustration can be seen through external signs such as inappropriate language or negative talk about organizations, people or circumstances. So how do you encourage people who carry frustration? Consider the following.

• Listen - many people carry frustration because people do not listen to them.
• Do Not Minimize - many people carry frustration because others do not see their issues as legitimate.
• Show Empathy - when listening show proper body language and use phrases like, “I can understand that,” or, “I can see how you feel”.
• Speak When Invited - there is nothing more frustrating to a person than when others offer advice or comments without an invitation to do so. If you are a good listener, you will be invited to give feedback.  Then…
• Offer Positive Feedback - many times people who carry frustration need to hear positive input. They've grown used to being negative. When they hear positive insights about the situation it can help change their perspective.
• Be Compassionate - showing compassion will help a person carrying frustration to open up and talk. It is not hard to figure out how to show compassion. A compassionate touch on the shoulder or a simple hug can do the trick.
• Give Feedback Through Questions - speaking direct instructions to a frustrated person can often cause deeper levels of frustration. Ask open ended questions such as, “Why do you feel that way?” or, “Have you ever looked at it this way?”  I think you get the point.

The power of encouragement can bring clarity, assurance, and peace. Millions of people live in fear and frustration every day. Maybe you can be that encouraging presence that leads a person from frustration to peace. Make it a priority to be an encouraging presence to whoever you may meet.

Be Encouraged,

Rick

Encouragement and Listening

Does listening have anything to do with encouragement? The answer to that question is yes!  Did you know that you can encourage someone without saying a word? The power of encouragement goes beyond words. The power of encouragement can come simply by your presence. Words sometimes hit the wall and slide right off. Some people possess a great vocabulary, but carry little influence because their words contain no encouragement.

You can see the power of encouragement when someone shows up and chooses to stand with a person who is “down in the ditch”. The power of encouragement can transform a life when someone chooses to give of their presence for the purpose of helping someone else along the way. You don't have to say much to encourage another. The presence of a strong individual in times of need can speak volumes of encouragement. Have you ever met someone that has helped you see your way through the forest? I mean, these are the types of people that take you by the hand and lead you out with their presence and not their words.

Consider the following when leading and encouraging by presence:

• Make Eye Contact – body language speaks louder than words. When you are trying to encourage someone, look at them. Don't look away, look at the person. Eye contact means that the person you are engaging is important. Eye contact tells the other person that the message they are sending is important.
• Pay Attention – did you know that it is possible to be in the presence of another person and be absent at the same time? Go into a restaurant and watch a husband and wife eating.  Sometimes you can see they are not really “there” together. They are there in bodily form, but inevitably the television that's mounted on the wall takes one of them captive. You can be physically present but mentally and emotionally absent.
• Ask Questions that Reflect Your Concern – if you are truly listening, you will be able to ask questions that are relevant to the concerns of the person you are trying to encourage. This reminds the person that you really are listening to every word.
• Don't Interrupt – don’t interrupt the person speaking when you are trying to encourage them with your presence. Let them talk. Let them lament. Stay focused and look directly at the person.
• Don't Rush to Give Advice – many times the person that needs encouragement is not looking for advice. They are simply looking for safe place to vent. If you listen closely, the invitation to give advice will come and when it does, then offer words of encouragement.
• Don't Minimize the Issue – sarcasm in the midst of listening is disastrous. Many people can find their way out if they just have time to talk. Making sarcastic or belittling remarks about the situation never helps. Instead, listening and demonstrating compassion creates a pathway of encouragement that leads a person from darkness to light.

The power of encouragement can be given through your quiet presence. I want to encourage you to be a good listener. When you listen, your presence will guide someone who is struggling through the forest and into a new day.

Be Encouraged,

Rick

Encouragement and Rebuilding

I have read many stories about people rebuilding their lives. We live in a day that is volatile. Many people are rebuilding financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Brokenness seems to be the norm, not the exception. People rebuild because of personal mistakes. People rebuild because of the mistakes others. Whatever the reason, we need to be encouraged as we rebuild.

Rebuilding is normal. You don't make it through life without hurdles. Encouragement is needed when you face hurdles. I have watched many sports events that prove my point. Have you ever watched a football game were a team has been behind three quarters and then suddenly scores a lot of points in the fourth quarter to win? How do they win? They win because more than 50,000 people start stomping and screaming for their team. Let's just say they are encouraged by a lot of people. The power of encouragement while rebuilding can be the factor for total victory.

When you rebuild remember the following:

1. Rebuilding is refocusing - when you rebuild you are refocusing your energies for a better outcome. You are refocusing for an outcome that is beneficial for yourself and others.
2. Rebuilding is fruitful - when you rebuild you learn. When you learn you grow. When you grow you help others.
3. Rebuilding is fortifying - to fortify means you are trying to strengthen something. When you rebuild you strengthen your character. When you strengthen your character you strengthen others.
4. Rebuilding is offering hope - when you rebuild you offer hope to your situation. When you overcome through that hope you are able to encourage others to overcome.
5. Rebuilding is offering a future - rebuilding your life is rebuilding your future. Rebuilding your future gives hope to those watching.
6. Rebuilding is empowering others - as people watch you rebuild your life they are encouraged to do the same. If you could rebuild they can rebuild. You never get through life without the need to rebuild something.
7. Rebuilding is focusing on positive outcomes - rebuilding means you need a positive outcome. Everyone needs positive outcomes. 
8. Rebuilding is breaking things down - break things into manageable blocks and tackle one thing at a time.

Everyone needs to be encouraged. If you are rebuilding your life, no matter how young or old you are, be encouraged. Make a plan and work your plan. And on the road to recovery take time to encourage someone else.

Be Encouraged,

Rick

Encouragement and Failure

Ever wonder how to get back up after you fail? Failure has been experienced by everyone and if focused upon can be debilitating for life. Some people find it hard to get past the mistakes they have made to find a new future. Some find it hard to get past mistakes or failures because others will not allow them forget where and when they have failed.

No one has a right to hold things over others. The last time I looked at the news, major candidates were fumbling over words and major leaders were making incredible mistakes. So I think it is time to set people free. You can be free from your failures by the power of encouragement. You can either stay in your prison or choose to be free. Your failures can be the launching pad for great things to happen in your life.

It has been almost a year since I have posted on this blog because I failed. I made mistakes that hurt me and others. I did not feel worthy to post an entry. You may ask, "What did you do?" I hit a wall of burnout and bitterness. I said things that I wish I hadn't. I lost very dear friends because of my own failure to manage my feelings and my words. I have paid a high price and it has taken a year to refocus and get back on my feet.

With that said, let me encourage you if you have failed and need to get back up. Here is a list of things to do to get back into the game of life:

 
1. Forgive Yourself- Self-condemnation is horrible and can keep you in an emotional prison for the rest of your life.
2. Learn from Your Failures- Failure has its consequences but you can learn from it and help others. It doesn't mean you will never make another mistake. It means you can be a lifelong learner and help others.
3. Help Others By Using Your Own Failures-This is critical. You have the ability to help someone else with words of encouragement. Find someone who is hurting and invest in them even if they have nothing to give you. When you unlock your potential to help others you will find freedom to overcome, serve others, and help yourself.
4. Talk About Your Failures- Now don't get me wrong here. Don't talk about your failures to get pity. Talk about your failures to give someone else hope. Capitalize on your failures to help someone else have the courage to get back up and face life. Don't make it about you. Make it about helping someone else.
5. Make a Plan to Encourage Others- Set a goal to find one person a day to encourage. Do not allow anyone to limit your ability to encourage others by holding anything over your head.
6. Don't Listen To Hecklers- Hecklers are people who have forgotten where they have come from. Remember, failure can be the launching pad for great things to come. Why? Because when you choose to accept your failure you learn and grow. When you learn and grow you can help others with the wisdom you have gained.
7. Speak Positively - Saying negative things about other people drives people away from you. Saying positive things about other people draws positive people your way. Staying negative about a situation holds you captive to that situation. Seeing the positive empowers you to follow your plan and overcome.
8. Don't Run- When you fail, face it and own it. Passing the buck never helps you to grow and learn. More people will respect you for owning your own failure. It may actually shut them up. Wouldn't that be nice!
9. Get Up!-Refuse to allow your personal failures to keep you in a prison of depression. Don't stay locked in a room or cubical. You have something to offer someone else. Get moving. Live until your last breath and never quit.

Be Encouraged,
Rick