The Art of Encouragement summary

Which words of encouragement resonate more deeply with you?

“You really nailed that spreadsheet, Elodie. I appreciate your commitment to the task and attention to detail. Those numbers are watertight!”

Tom Landry, the legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys, once said, “A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be.” As an illuminating encourager, you’re a bit like Coach Landry, but instead of highlighting hard truths, you’re shining a light on the positive truths people might not see in themselves.

Think about how often you’ve sat with friends or colleagues who downplay their abilities, talk themselves out of pursuing opportunities, or avoid risks because they doubt their potential. Meanwhile, you see them brimming with talent, creativity, and promise – qualities they’re blind to because they’re their own harshest critics. Where you see a natural leader or a brilliant problem solver, they might see inexperience or inadequacy.

Encouragement is a powerful tool that makes people feel good, but when you pair it with elevation, the impact becomes even more significant. Elevation takes encouragement a step further by helping someone level up through connections, opportunities, or promotions, leading to tangible results.

So, what exactly is elevation? It’s when you actively help someone rise by connecting them with a mentor, introducing them to a new social circle that aligns with their goals, or writing them a strong reference letter or LinkedIn testimonial. You elevate someone when you publicly acknowledge their contributions, whether in a meeting, on social media, or by leaving a glowing review for their business online.

When you think of a true leader, who comes to mind? Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr. are often at the top of the list. These iconic figures didn’t exemplify the aggressive, competitive attributes we often associate with modern corporate leadership. Instead, they were selfless, collaborative, and led with a spirit of service rather than personal gain.

These leaders embody the principles of servant leadership – a philosophy that prioritizes the needs and growth of others above the leader's own interests. Servant leaders focus on empowering their team members, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring that everyone has the tools and support they need to succeed. They lead by example, putting the well-being and development of others first.

When you give encouragement, it’s crucial to be authentic – share your whole self. No matter how far along you are in your personal or professional journey, you’re not, and will never be, an expert in everything. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. In fact, sharing your mistakes can be just as encouraging as lifting others up through praise or sharing your expertise.

People might be impressed by your strengths and accomplishments, but they connect with you through your weaknesses. Being vulnerable is one of the most powerful forms of encouragement because it shows others that they’re not alone in their struggles. It’s about being impactful rather than merely impressive.