Engaging with encouragement

I like to say that encouragement costs so little but is worth so much.

It takes next to nothing to encourage someone, and yet the results are exponential. By encouraging someone you give them positive energy in the moment, you give them affirmation of their essence, and you help them see themselves and their strengths better.

Here are three ways to do this practically:

1. Express joy at seeing people

Actually verbalising and demonstrating your joy at seeing someone is so powerful. Imagine someone greeting you with enthusiasm at getting to see you. How good would you feel?

I heard a story once of an agency losing a pitch, because even though they were the better option, they weren't as enthusiastic as the other agency.

Enthusiasm doesn't need to be over the top or on constant repeat. But it's worth expressing.

2. Thank people for who they are

Thanking someone for what they do is level 1. Level 2 is saying: “I appreciate WHO you ARE.”

3. Recognise and praise people's strengths

What we do that is awesome to others is often obvious and ordinary to ourselves. That's the nature of strengths. So it's nice to be reminded that our obvious and ordinary is awesome to others.

By labelling what you see as strength in others — “You know, you're really good at X” — you help them do more of what they are good at. After all, people repeat what is recognised.