Every person comes to a point when they need encouragement. Leaders need to be able to recognize these moments for their people and offer encouragement when needed. Leaders who can master the art and ability of encouragement will find themselves surrounded by people motivated and willing to serve.
Reasons encouragement is important
Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul – Jessie Irwin
Encouragement gives life to people both individually and corporately. There are many people who are breathing and have a heartbeat but only exist. The difference between existing and living is vast. Understanding this reality allows people to rise above the ordinary level of living.
Ways to give encouragement
Be supportive
One of the best ways to give encouragement to others is simply to be supportive. Being supportive is being helpful to others and lending assistance even if not necessary. A supportive person is one who thinks of others before thinking of themselves. The concept of support is making others stronger than they could be alone.
Be willing to listen
Listening is an important investment in the lives of others. The moment they know that the leader will take time to listen, they will continue to follow. Leaders who are active listeners develop connections with people and are able to relate with them on a personal level.
Offer kind words
Nothing brings encouragement like a kind word. Leaders who can offer words of genuine kindness to those around them will reap great rewards. The impact of words cannot be overstated. When leaders offer kind words to their people, it helps the people become more successful.
Here are just a few things kind word do:
Motivate for greater service
Inspire people to continue on the right path
Excite people to help others
Stay encouraged personally
Leaders must work to remain encouraged on a personal basis because discouragement can prey on anyone. It is also vital that leaders remain encouraged because it is impossible to give what a person does not possess. If the leader is not encouraged, they cannot give encouragement. If the leader is not enthusiastic, they cannot give enthusiasm. If the leader is not passionate, they cannot pass on passion. The fact is that leaders must stay encouraged because they need to be able to give encouragement to those around them.
Nonprofit leaders have the opportunity to help mold and shape the lives of others. Each day nonprofit leaders are working to make a difference in their community, in their country and in their world. One of the most significant ways leaders impact others is to offer ongoing and genuine encouragement. L
Leaders can make a difference by simply understanding the need to encourage others. Offer support to those within the organization, listening to the cares and concerns of others and offering kind words to those within the nonprofit. Encouragement makes a massive difference and the time to encourage is now. There is no way to measure the impact that encouragement can make on the lives of others.
