Thoughts

To encourage means to give support, confidence, or hope to someone). You  inspire someone with courage, spirit, or hope. f you encourage someone, you give them confidence by letting them know that what they are doing is good and telling them that they should continue to do it.

Encouragement reinforces that doing the right thing, especially in difficult situations, is what matters most. Encouragement lets people know they’re on the right track, and helps them to maintain positive and productive work habits.

Just as motivation is so important, encouraging others is a key leadership skill. Leaders who praise achievements, small and large, and who recognize excellence will inspire people to excel and to succeed. As a leader it shows you care about people as well as results. Encouragement doesn’t have to mean that everything is perfect, or that there isn’t room for growth and improvement. It does show that there is a foundation to build from.

Chick fil-a founder, Truett Cathy, was fond of saying, “How do you know if someone needs encouragement? If they are breathing.”  Encouragement can change the course of our lives. Deborah Byrne offers some tips on how to become a better encourager:

• Notice the positive people in your life and how they encourage you.
• Pay attention and listen.
• Watch how you speak about yourself and others.
• Praise others for their help and efforts.
• Try to acknowledge others. Even something as simple as “Thank you”.
• If you introduce someone, include something positive about them.
• Celebrate all the wins.
• Don’t underestimate the power of your smile.

In changing or difficult times, encouragement can reduce fear and anxiety. Encouragement leads to confidence, which leads to action, which leads to accomplishment, which branches off to more encouragement, and the cycle continues. So, who are you going to encourage today?

Bringing it Home

The Team at Vandenack Weaver understands the importance of encouragement and knows the difference it can make in people’s lives. By encouraging others in the pursuit of their personal and financial goals, we offer support and confidence in their decision making process. The path to success in the achievement of goals is constantly changing and can be somewhat intimidating. The Team at Vandenack Weaver will help you through difficult times and decisions and let you know you are doing the right thing.

Just remember, your words do make a difference, whether written or spoken, so consider them before you use them, and be kind to each other. And, if you are reading this, you must be breathing and therefore, need encouragement. So, keep up the good work and have a great rest of your week.