June 7, 2021

John Maxwell has often shared the advice that his father, Melvin, passed along when John was a young leader. John, wanting to know the secret to leadership, asked his father to share one word of wisdom to help him become a better leader – in his home, his community and his place of work.

“Encourage people,” Melvin said.

“How will I know if people need encouragement?” John asked.

“Simple, “Melvin replied. “If they’re breathing they need it.”

Take a few moments to reflect on the following questions:

Who encourages you to grow?

What kinds of encouragement do they provide to help you stay engaged with your personal growth?

Why is that kind of encouragement effective for you?

Because your growth has benefited from the encouragement of others, your application for this Monday message is to become an encouragement to someone else in their growth.

Find one person in your life whom you can encourage in their growth. Think of specific ways you can help them stay focused and engaged with their own journey. Without being overbearing, make a commitment to regularly encourage that person.

Remember that encouragement comes in many forms. It can be positive words of affirmation, a question about a person’s interests and progress, or asking for insight on a subject or idea. The point is that your interactions breathe life into the other person instead of extracting life from them. Make them feel highly aware that, in that moment, you care more about them than about yourself.

Everyone needs encouragement. It’s just human nature. When you can become an encourager of growth in other people, you’ll find the return is huge.

People who add value to others, do so intentionally. Be that person!

-Adapted from the resource Leadershift