The 5 W’s of an Encouraging Leader
For 13 seasons, Tony Dungy spent Sunday mornings giving pregame pep talks to star football players in the NFL. Two years into retirement, he still gives motivational speeches regularly, but his audience has morphed dramatically. Instead of addressing locker rooms full of millionaire athletes, Dungy now speaks at cafeterias packed with felons at correctional facilities across the country.
Why would Tony Dungy turn down a $5 million per year coaching salary to chat with gatherings of criminals? For him it's simple: he believes in the power of encouragement. He knows how important it is for people to have a leader who is cheering them on, supplying hope and courage during trying times.
For inmates, prison can be a depressingly hopeless place. In addition to the isolation and loss of freedom, most inmates are given little chance of succeeding in life upon their release. Statistics show that upwards of 60% will return to jail, and 1 in 3 will be re-incarcerated within three years of their release. Coach Dungy steps into the bleak world of penitentiary life to deliver a firm, but upbeat message about how the prisoners can get back on the right track. His words not only give prisoners a plan to succeed in life, but just as importantly, they offer much-needed inspiration and encouragement.
You don't have to visit a prison to encounter people who feel insignificant, trapped, or fearful of the future. Those feelings are commonplace. Wherever you work, people are longing to be strengthened and refreshed by encouraging words. As a leader, you are in prime position to give others the boost they need to be their best. Here are five behaviors that will equip you as an encourager where you work:
5 W's of an Encouraging Leader
1) Watchfulness
Encouragement carries more weight when it's specific. Be observant of the people around you on the job. Where do they excel? When have you seen them give exemplary effort? Make note of the ways they stand out, and use your observations as content for encouraging them.
2) Words
Everyone enjoys receiving genuine expressions of praise, especially when they're given in public. As a leader, leverage the platforms of staff meetings and team get-togethers to highlight the performance of your people. Your words of encouragement will reinforce good behavior and communicate value and appreciation to those you lead.
3) Writing
Spoken encouragement is powerful, but temporal. Written words of encouragement, however, are remembered by their recipient long after the writer has forgotten them. People can refer back to an encouraging card or note again and again, being uplifted each time they read it.
4) Wallet
When possible, leaders should reward excellent performance monetarily. However, the dollar figure attached to a reward isn't its only measure of value. As a leader, be creative in finding ways to give gifts of encouragement that have meaning and significance to those you lead. Perhaps it's an extra day of vacation, an extended lunch hour, or a keepsake. Whatever the case, be intentional about giving something of value as a means of applauding those who are doing a great job.
5) Winning
Sometimes the best way to be an encourager is to set an example. People draw strength from watching you persevere through adversity, and they are impacted when they see you make sacrifices to advance your vision. When you win by doing things the right way, your victories leave an impression on the spectators watching you.
SUMMARY
Tony Dungy is making a statement with his life by using his prestige to encourage others. As leaders, we would be wise to emulate his commitment to encouragement by modeling The Five W's of an Encouraging Leader. In closing, here's an excerpt from Coach Dungy's book, Uncommon, in which he urges readers to be active as encouragers:
"When was the last time you were an encourager for someone else? No matter where you are in your life's journey, you can begin today to be very intentional about leaving a trail of positive memories in the lives of those around you. Memories they will cling to in the rough spots they face over the course of their lives. Memories that will draw them closer to you and affirm their value to you and to themselves."
Why would Tony Dungy turn down a $5 million per year coaching salary to chat with gatherings of criminals? For him it's simple: he believes in the power of encouragement. He knows how important it is for people to have a leader who is cheering them on, supplying hope and courage during trying times.
For inmates, prison can be a depressingly hopeless place. In addition to the isolation and loss of freedom, most inmates are given little chance of succeeding in life upon their release. Statistics show that upwards of 60% will return to jail, and 1 in 3 will be re-incarcerated within three years of their release. Coach Dungy steps into the bleak world of penitentiary life to deliver a firm, but upbeat message about how the prisoners can get back on the right track. His words not only give prisoners a plan to succeed in life, but just as importantly, they offer much-needed inspiration and encouragement.
You don't have to visit a prison to encounter people who feel insignificant, trapped, or fearful of the future. Those feelings are commonplace. Wherever you work, people are longing to be strengthened and refreshed by encouraging words. As a leader, you are in prime position to give others the boost they need to be their best. Here are five behaviors that will equip you as an encourager where you work:
5 W's of an Encouraging Leader
1) Watchfulness
Encouragement carries more weight when it's specific. Be observant of the people around you on the job. Where do they excel? When have you seen them give exemplary effort? Make note of the ways they stand out, and use your observations as content for encouraging them.
2) Words
Everyone enjoys receiving genuine expressions of praise, especially when they're given in public. As a leader, leverage the platforms of staff meetings and team get-togethers to highlight the performance of your people. Your words of encouragement will reinforce good behavior and communicate value and appreciation to those you lead.
3) Writing
Spoken encouragement is powerful, but temporal. Written words of encouragement, however, are remembered by their recipient long after the writer has forgotten them. People can refer back to an encouraging card or note again and again, being uplifted each time they read it.
4) Wallet
When possible, leaders should reward excellent performance monetarily. However, the dollar figure attached to a reward isn't its only measure of value. As a leader, be creative in finding ways to give gifts of encouragement that have meaning and significance to those you lead. Perhaps it's an extra day of vacation, an extended lunch hour, or a keepsake. Whatever the case, be intentional about giving something of value as a means of applauding those who are doing a great job.
5) Winning
Sometimes the best way to be an encourager is to set an example. People draw strength from watching you persevere through adversity, and they are impacted when they see you make sacrifices to advance your vision. When you win by doing things the right way, your victories leave an impression on the spectators watching you.
SUMMARY
Tony Dungy is making a statement with his life by using his prestige to encourage others. As leaders, we would be wise to emulate his commitment to encouragement by modeling The Five W's of an Encouraging Leader. In closing, here's an excerpt from Coach Dungy's book, Uncommon, in which he urges readers to be active as encouragers:
"When was the last time you were an encourager for someone else? No matter where you are in your life's journey, you can begin today to be very intentional about leaving a trail of positive memories in the lives of those around you. Memories they will cling to in the rough spots they face over the course of their lives. Memories that will draw them closer to you and affirm their value to you and to themselves."
The link to the original article on the Leadership Wired website can be found here:
http://www.giantimpact.com/articles/read/the_5_ws_of_an_encouraging_leader/
http://www.giantimpact.com/articles/read/the_5_ws_of_an_encouraging_leader/
Who Needs Encouragement?
By John C. Maxwell
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. houses the personal belongings Abraham Lincoln was carrying the night he was assassinated. Among them is a well-worn newspaper clipping lauding Lincoln's achievements as president and describing him as, "One of the greatest statesmen of all time." Now, President Lincoln was by no means an egomaniac. In fact, he battled self-doubt throughout his presidency, especially during the Civil War when friend and foe alike heaped criticism upon him. That a national hero like President Lincoln would carry around words of encouragement in his pocket speaks volumes about the human need for affirmation.
As a leader, the first person you must encourage is yourself. If you're discouraged and feel like quitting, then you won't be able to spur on the people looking to you for support. Here are four simple strategies to keep you in high spirits.
1) Create Mementos
Hebrew shepherds carved a record of their significant life achievements into the wood of their staffs. Each day, as they carried the staff, they felt its contours on their skin. The stories etched in the wood served as encouraging reminders of obstacles they had overcome or victories they had won.
We can draw encouragement from past triumphs, but only if we perpetuate our memories of them. Do so by finding a tangible memento to represent the accomplishments that make you the proudest. Abraham Lincoln chose to carry around a news article. For you, maybe it's framing written words of praise from your manager. Or perhaps it's displaying artwork you've created, a medal you've won, or a plaque you've received in honor of your contribution to the organization. Whatever the case, give yourself visual cues that will trigger recollections of success.
2) Build a Support Team
Mark Twain understood the importance of being surrounded by encouragers: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." Every relationship in our lives either uplifts us or drags us down. We have to choose carefully whom we allow into our inner circle because their attitudes toward us affect our success.
We draw encouragement from the people who believe the best about us. When we have a cheering section in life, we're a lot more likely to overcome the difficulties we encounter. The higher you go in leadership, the greater the pressures will be. Being able to lean on the support of loved ones serves as a valve to release the pressure. When we're buoyed by encouragement the burdens of leadership feel light, and we are able to experience the joys of being entrusted with influence.
3) Envision Future Rewards
We draw encouragement by keeping future rewards at the forefront of our minds. If you've ever run a long-distance race, then you know the rush of energy that comes from seeing the finish line. Having the goal in sight gives you encouragement to finish the race.
As a leader, passion for attaining your vision should carry you. If you can't get excited about the destination you're headed toward, no one else will either. Spend time visualizing your arrival at the finish line. What will it feel like to reach your goals? How will life be better when your vision comes to fruition? Let the anticipation of achieving your dreams supply you with strength for the journey.
4) Sow Encouragement into the Lives around You
As a leader, who you are is who you attract. If you want encouragement from others, then be generous with it yourself. People are looking to your leadership for cues on how to conduct themselves. When they see you giving out courage and hope, they aspire to do the same.
Encouragement is reciprocal. What goes around comes around. I'm amazed at how eager people are to return the favor after I've provided them with inspiration. They line up to express their gratitude, and their kind words give me the strength to keep going.
About John C. Maxwell is an internationally respected leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold more than 18 million books. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP, a non-profit organization that has trained more than 5 million leaders in 126 countries worldwide. Each year he speaks to the leaders of diverse organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies, foreign governments, the National Football League, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United Nations. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell has written three books that have sold more than a million copies: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. His blog can be read at www.JohnMaxwellOnLeadership.com.
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. houses the personal belongings Abraham Lincoln was carrying the night he was assassinated. Among them is a well-worn newspaper clipping lauding Lincoln's achievements as president and describing him as, "One of the greatest statesmen of all time." Now, President Lincoln was by no means an egomaniac. In fact, he battled self-doubt throughout his presidency, especially during the Civil War when friend and foe alike heaped criticism upon him. That a national hero like President Lincoln would carry around words of encouragement in his pocket speaks volumes about the human need for affirmation.
As a leader, the first person you must encourage is yourself. If you're discouraged and feel like quitting, then you won't be able to spur on the people looking to you for support. Here are four simple strategies to keep you in high spirits.
1) Create Mementos
Hebrew shepherds carved a record of their significant life achievements into the wood of their staffs. Each day, as they carried the staff, they felt its contours on their skin. The stories etched in the wood served as encouraging reminders of obstacles they had overcome or victories they had won.
We can draw encouragement from past triumphs, but only if we perpetuate our memories of them. Do so by finding a tangible memento to represent the accomplishments that make you the proudest. Abraham Lincoln chose to carry around a news article. For you, maybe it's framing written words of praise from your manager. Or perhaps it's displaying artwork you've created, a medal you've won, or a plaque you've received in honor of your contribution to the organization. Whatever the case, give yourself visual cues that will trigger recollections of success.
2) Build a Support Team
Mark Twain understood the importance of being surrounded by encouragers: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." Every relationship in our lives either uplifts us or drags us down. We have to choose carefully whom we allow into our inner circle because their attitudes toward us affect our success.
We draw encouragement from the people who believe the best about us. When we have a cheering section in life, we're a lot more likely to overcome the difficulties we encounter. The higher you go in leadership, the greater the pressures will be. Being able to lean on the support of loved ones serves as a valve to release the pressure. When we're buoyed by encouragement the burdens of leadership feel light, and we are able to experience the joys of being entrusted with influence.
3) Envision Future Rewards
We draw encouragement by keeping future rewards at the forefront of our minds. If you've ever run a long-distance race, then you know the rush of energy that comes from seeing the finish line. Having the goal in sight gives you encouragement to finish the race.
As a leader, passion for attaining your vision should carry you. If you can't get excited about the destination you're headed toward, no one else will either. Spend time visualizing your arrival at the finish line. What will it feel like to reach your goals? How will life be better when your vision comes to fruition? Let the anticipation of achieving your dreams supply you with strength for the journey.
4) Sow Encouragement into the Lives around You
As a leader, who you are is who you attract. If you want encouragement from others, then be generous with it yourself. People are looking to your leadership for cues on how to conduct themselves. When they see you giving out courage and hope, they aspire to do the same.
Encouragement is reciprocal. What goes around comes around. I'm amazed at how eager people are to return the favor after I've provided them with inspiration. They line up to express their gratitude, and their kind words give me the strength to keep going.
About John C. Maxwell is an internationally respected leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold more than 18 million books. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP, a non-profit organization that has trained more than 5 million leaders in 126 countries worldwide. Each year he speaks to the leaders of diverse organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies, foreign governments, the National Football League, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United Nations. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell has written three books that have sold more than a million copies: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. His blog can be read at www.JohnMaxwellOnLeadership.com.
The link to the original article on the Leadership Wired website can be found here:
http://www.giantimpact.com/articles/read/who_needs_encouragement/
http://www.giantimpact.com/articles/read/who_needs_encouragement/
