It Only Takes a Spark
Of Encouragment
The power of thank-you, you are appreciated,
you are making a difference, you are loved.
A few weeks ago, as I was doing some reading on leadership and assessing some of my weaknesses (unfortunately and very sincerely - way too many of them) and thinking about what I can do better. One thing I considered was to be more intentional about encouraging the heart of others.
Encouraging the heart is one of the core leadership tasks identified by Kouzes and Posner in their essential work, The Challenge of Leadership. Just read that chapter for some motivation and to jump start your own work as an encourager... Or if you want a more substantial challenge, they even did a short book on that theme, called, Encouraging the Heart. (A very worthwhile read.)
I also did a class on leadership where I talked about the importance of creating workplaces of resonance (the emotionally healthy leader). Part of that is to be an encourager...
I was also very aware of some really good ministry and leadership being done (faithfully, so faithfully) be really dedicated people...
And I was doing some devotional work in the Desert Fathers (and a few Mothers) and was impacted by the importance of love...
So I decided to be more intentional about encouraging people.
Telling them they are doing really good work.
Telling them how they impact people from their work.
Thanking them for the work they are doing.
I mean these were only brief conversations... and I really can't speak about their receiving the encouragement (although it appeared grateful)... but I tell you this... it blessed me to encourage them.
I felt better. I felt grateful. I felt connected.
And that is always the beautiful thing about goodness and truth. When you choose the way of goodness and truth, not only does it do something to the world around you and for the lives of others... it also does something inside you.
So I am continuing on in my work of encouraging...
Hearts all around you are struggling hearts, hurting hearts, broken hearts, discourged hearts, weary hearts, tired hurts . . . they are some of the hearts we want to encourage.
Other hearts aren't in that kind of condition. But all hearts will receive with gratitude and benefit - your encouragement.
Want to join me on this "intention" for a few weeks? Look to do 2 or 3 real encouragements a week. Identify the people you want to encourage. Know what you want to say to them. And then, take the time.
Brian K. Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
www.lci.typepad.com
