Encouragement is key.

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you, criticize me, and I may not like you, ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you,” William Arthur Ward.

Isn’t it true that just about every person on the planet wants to believe they have value? They want to know that they matter, and that they count for something. It is my belief that being valued and mattered is a basic human need.

As a leader, helping someone feel significant can be a game changer.

If you ever played sports you know how important the words of encouragement coming from the coach meant to you. Maybe accompanied with a pat on the back, or fist pump, the words and the actions made you feel valued, needed, and worthwhile.

John C. Maxwell writes, “For most people, it’s not what they are that holds them back, it’s what they think they’re not.”

I’ll bet you have people in your organization right now who are looking for encouragement. They want to know what they’re doing matters, and how it’s positively impacting the organization. Find those people, and thank them. Encourage them. Help them grow, for they will help your organization prosper.