Regardless of your leadership capacity there is one area that you can excel in: encouraging others.
People willing follow a leader who encourages them. Why? Because people want to feel needed, valued, and want to be developed to do more for the sake of the Gospel.
I understand that for many encouraging others seems like a foreign concept. Many leaders find it hard to encourage people. It just isn’t how their are wired or how they think. I’m not advocating that you need to completely change the makeup of your personality (which is impossible and unrealistic) but there are a few small habits that you can add into your day that will communicate value into the people that you lead.
Whether you are a small group leader, pastor, spouse, or senior leader, these three areas will help you connect with people and encourage them to continue along the journey.
3 Ways You Can Be A Leader Who Encourages Others
Be A Person Of Prayer
Daily prayer will shape your heart and mind to be that of Jesus Christ. Nothing can combat cynicism like a daily habit of prayer. As you pray for others you will begin to follow up with them. Prayer also reminds us that we are all sinners in need of Jesus. It is our communion with Jesus that brings ultimate encouragement and unity with one another.
Celebrate Wins
When was the last time your team or group experienced a win? Perhaps you need to define what a win is for your team (that the group engages in conversation, that students hear the Gospel, that the staff brainstorms ideas during this meeting) then you can celebrate the win – no matter how small it seems to be. People need to know that their contributions are needed and beneficial. Simply stating that there was a win can go a long way to encourage others.
Coach Instead of Demand
In my opinion, a basketball coach is the best description of a leader. A coach spends intentional time preparing his team for a game, but once the game starts the coach doesn’t sit on the sideline and lets the game happen – he is active in making adjustments, encouraging players, and aligning for success. Leaders who encourage others are intentionally coaching other people. They assess the situation and give constructive feedback that develops the individual. Viewing your role as a coach may help you remember the intentional role you play in other’s lives.
Now What?
Would your small group, team, or office say that you are an encourager? What steps can you take to encourage a couple people this week?
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