There are few things in the world more fragile than the psyche of people. Fragility is not isolated to the artist; everyone – at some time or another – has battled doubt, the feeling of inadequacy, and the fear of not being accepted or doing a good enough job.
As leaders, we sometimes lose sight of the power we have to change the climate of our organizations and the feelings of our teammates by merely engaging in the economy of encouragement. Our words carry more weight than we realize.
Economics is the study of production, distribution, and consumption – generally of goods and services. The ECONOMY OF ENCOURAGEMENT revolves around the production, distribution, and consumption of belief and hope.
Consumption is easy. Everyone likes to be told that he or she matters and, more often than not, we attempt to surround ourselves with people who value us. We have all heard the saying people leave people they don’t leave organizations, and that is very true. As a leader, we have to make sure there are hope and belief to be consumed by those who are following us.
Distribution is a little harder. Distribution entails putting others above ourselves, giving back encouragement when we’re in desperate need of it ourselves, and seeking the opportunity to find places, moments, and opportunities to encourage others. It is a responsibility of good leadership. Distributors are always looking to find ways to get the content out. In this case, they are looking for opportunities to encourage and spread hope.
Production is a little more exclusive. Producers create products. As leaders, we’re able to produce our absolute best in our teams, volunteers, and relationships when we find ways to produce encouragement. Correction is always needed, but encouragement puts wind in peoples sails. When people believe they are valued, protected, that they matter, and that their contributions make a difference, they tend to lean in. They start producing their best projects and give more.
Today, I encourage you to invest. Invest in your local economy of encouragement. Send a text. Tell someone how you feel about them. Write a card. Make a phone call. Appreciate someone. Understand the importance of making people feel valued. Value and vision matter. Our people want to know they are valued even if they are not right.
Have you engaged the economy of encouragement?
Feel free to contact me via email or follow me on Instagram.
