Tag: Servant Leadership

The Power of Encouragement – The Life of a Super Encourager

~ Tim Pritchett ~ Leave a comment

Encouragement can make the difference between a good day and a bad one. It’s the ingredient that, for some reason, we can be stingy about sharing. Encouragement can speak life into someone, helping them pick themselves up and keep moving forward, even when (or maybe especially when) they didn’t believe they could continue, let alone make it through.

Encouragement, in all its various forms, can foster deep relationships and has a broader ripple effect than you might imagine.

Encourage/Being an encourager/Encouragement is why I create this content. For some, it’s an easy thing to do. For others, it takes a more intentional decision. Not because they don’t want to encourage others or they don’t think it’s important, but because it just doesn’t flow naturally.

Here are some thoughts on intentionally encouraging and building stronger connections where you have influence.

Superpowers

You may have a person or two in your life who are not just encouragers but Super Encouragers (go ahead and imagine them with a cape and a superhero utility belt). It’s just who they are. What is it about them that makes them such a great encourager? My guess is that they share some of these Superpowers:

Active Listener:  One of the primary tools of an encourager is active listening. They pay attention to what you’re talking about and saying. They listen for cues where you may need support or reassurance. They listen to and remember your story, problem, or preference. Then, they ask about your story. They follow up on how you’re doing with that problem. They circle back to that area where you needed support – sometimes days or weeks later. And you’re struck with, “Wow! They really listened to what me.” Active listening shows them (and you) that they care and helps them understand how to encourage you most effectively.

Genuine and Authentic: The next tool in the tool belt for these Super Encouragers is being authentic – being real. You don’t get the sense that they are trying to manipulate you. They are genuinely interested in you. If they aren’t genuine and authentic, you can sense it – it comes off as forced or insincere as if there is an Encouragement Quota they need to satisfy. Instead, they take the time to understand what you need and try to deliver it.

Positive Language: This may seem obvious, but when these Super Encouragers are at their best, their language is… wait for it… encouraging, positive, and helpful. Why is this a big deal? Often, the time that we need the most encouragement is when all the language that is rolling around in our brains – isn’t encouraging, positive, or helpful. We speak to ourselves in ways we would never talk to a friend or colleague. Yet, because it’s in our heads – somehow, it’s “normal.” The Super Encourager believes in you when you’re struggling.

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Finally, the Super Encouraging understands this is a journey. That this moment, event, or season isn’t the end all, but rather, progress. They acknowledge the hard work you put into a task, regardless of the outcome. Does that sound too “soft”? If you’ve ever been around a baby – everything is progress. The first time they turn over, sleep through the night, the first time they walk. There aren’t a lot of people out there who, looking at the baby, who tried to take a step and fell, would berate the child, “…look at you – you can’t even walk…” It might be a silly comparison, but the fact is, they are on a journey, and they are making progress. So are you. The Super Encourager often reminds you of this and celebrates the wins along the way… and the results when you get there.

Here’s the great thing about these Superpowers – they’re totally learnable. They don’t require that you get bit by a radio-active Encouragement spider or be ejected from your Super Encourager planet, only to realize your natural skills are on hyper-drive once you hit the earth’s atmosphere and (…too much with the Superhero analogy… got it). You can learn, enhance, and grow these skills.

Superpowers: Activate

So, what does this look like in real life? Here are a few simple examples:

At Work: You notice that someone is struggling with a presentation. Instead of criticizing or ignoring it, you offer encouragement by pointing out that they’ve got some great ideas and offer suggestions on how to present them. You offer to help them practice the presentation. This act of encouragement can help provide the confidence they need, resulting in a better presentation and a new level of connection.

With A Friend: You’ve got a friend who’s going through it. You offer to buy them coffee and listen to their story. The simple act of being present, genuine, and listening can speak volumes, reminding them that they’re not alone and that you’ll walk through it with them. Knowing you’re not alone is a huge encouragement.

As A Parent: With kids, the list of situations they run up against where they can feel defeated is nearly limitless. The list goes on: a grade, a performance in a play, a game, a relationship. As a parent or adult who has influence in their life, you have a unique opportunity and ability to speak life into them. Simple words like, “I’m so proud of you and how hard you work. It may not feel like it now, but it will get better, and I’m here with you.” Not only can this help in the moment, but you’re also developing resilience and a growth mindset.

Secret Identity

Encouraging others not only benefits others but also encourages you. You’re serving others. You’re being empathetic. You’re listening. You may be providing some amount of healing. You’re able to conceptualize and see beyond the present to envision what might be. You can draw from your past experiences and present realities to help guide them. You’re helping them grow. You’re developing community. If that list sounds familiar – it’s because those are all traits associated with Servant Leadership.

“When we encourage others, we boost their self-esteem, enhance their self-confidence, make them work harder, lift their spirits, and help them achieve their goals. Encouragement goes straight to the heart and is always available. Be an encourager. Always.” — Roy T. Bennett

Why it Matters

Encouragement can be the difference between giving up and powering through – even if just barely. It reminds others that someone believes in them, even when they doubt themselves. When you encourage others, you help them grow and fortify your relationship with them by increasing trust and respect. Encouragement creates an environment where people feel safe to take risks, learn, and thrive.

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more
than an hour of praise after success.” — Unknown

Be Encouraged…

and Be an Encourager today.

Servant Leadership – My Version of an Introduction

~ Tim Pritchett ~ 1 Comment

When “leadership” is mentioned, many ideas can come to mind. Vision. Decisiveness. Strength. Strategic. Competitive. All of these may be accurate. Many are desirable, but some, depending on how they are portrayed, may not.

Two ideas have influenced my perspective on leadership. The first came from my business coach, who said, “The accumulation of little things is often more impactful than the one ‘big thing.'” The second is a succinct quote from John Maxwell: “Leadership is Influence.” These quotes added nuance to my experiences with the leaders in my life—both good and not-so-good. They have also led me to the ideology and approach to leadership called Servant Leadership.

Servant Leadership

Robert K. Greenleaf formalized the idea of Servant Leadership in a series of essays. The term Servant Leader was introduced in an essay called The Servant as Leader, published in 1970. From the first time I read about it, the approach of Servant Leadership resonated with me. It aligned with my values and my view of people.

Greenleaf’s ideas were, in part, inspired by Hermann Hesse’s novel The Journey to the East (1957). In Hesse’s story, the character Leo embodies servant leadership. He starts as a servant to a group of travelers. (Warning: Spoiler Alert!) Later, it’s revealed that Leo is the spiritual leader of a secretive group called the League. The parable teaches that leadership isn’t about title or role; it’s about serving and uplifting others.

Applying Servant Leadership.

In his essay, Greenleaf has a line that resonates with me and, in my opinion, is the litmus test of being a leader:

Do those served grow as persons? Do they become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely themselves to become servants?

My influence… my leadership, can be revealed in those around me. I care, support, serve, and influence them. I often miss the mark, but this is what I aspire to.

The Traits of a Servant Leadership

Greenleaf outlined ten traits of servant leaders:

  1. Listening: Actively listen to others’ needs and seek to understand them fully. Often, this requires that we listen more than we talk. Consider more than we persuade. This leads nicely to the next trait…
  2. Empathy: Recognize and understand others’ emotions and perspectives. Alfred Adler described empathy as “Seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.”
  3. Healing: Help others achieve emotional and spiritual wellbeing. This idea might lead you to the thought, “… but that’s…*EMOTIONAL*… this is work! Can’t we just avoid emotions and do work…” I’ll let you decide if those things can be separated.
  4. Self-Awareness: Be mindful of yourself and your impact on others.
  5. Persuasion: Influence through persuasion, not authority.
  6. Conceptualization: See beyond the present to envision what might be. Another way to think of this is “looking forward.”
  7. Foresight: Use past lessons and present realities to guide future decisions. Another way to think of this is “looking back.”
  8. Stewardship: Take care of the organization or the team for the greater good.
  9. Commitment to the Growth of People: Support your Organization’s/Team’s personal and professional development.
  10. Building Community: Create a sense of belonging and collaboration. We were made for community.

I’ve seen and read an additional trait that other students of servant leadership have added:

Bonus: Calling: You are the right person, at the right time, for the right reason. You may not feel like a “leader” or even want to be one. But for whatever reason, you are in the position you are, with the influence you have for a reason. Embrace it.

Leadership is not always “the one big thing.” Very often, it presents itself in the collection of small things done well and consistently.

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear said,

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”

This applies to becoming the leader you want to be and that those around you want you to be.

Myths of Servant Leadership

As I’ve studied servant leadership, I have seen opponents to the idea because it’s so contrary to “traditional leadership.”  A few examples include:

Servant Leadership is just “easy” or “being everyone’s friend.” I can appreciate the thought process to get there when I hear this, but I disagree with the conclusion. A quote I recently read provided a great response. In his book Know What Matters, Ron Shaich says,

“Servant leadership isn’t about being nice at all costs. It’s about being helpful at all costs. And radical honesty is a much greater service to people than simply being kind.”

Servant Leadership is just a “Christian/religious thing.” Without a doubt, there is a spiritual quality to servant leadership. Many people will point to Jesus’s quote, “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

Servant Leadership is seen in quotes from teachers of many faiths:

  • Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
  • Dalai Lama: “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
  • Thich Nhat Hanh: “The practice of compassion and loving-kindness is not about being nice but about being real and truthful, helping others to transform their suffering.”
  • Prophet Muhammad: “The leader of a people is their servant.”
  • Guru Nanak: “The essence of life is to serve others and do good.”

Servant Leadership Sacrifices Results for Relationships: Simply because you focus on people and their well-being and growth doesn’t mean you ignore outcomes. My experience is that when you focus on people, you have better outcomes, able to stand to adversity and challenges, and can do it faster (Ref. Steven Covey, The Speed of Trust)

Alternatively

When creating training content on servant leadership, I got a weekly email from Inc. magazine. The email provided a link to an article called “5 Signs That Instantly Identify Someone With Bad Leadership Skills. The list included:

  1. Narcissistic Tendencies
  2. Not recognizing their people for good work.
  3. Treat people like numbers
  4. Too much control
  5. Not sharing information

I found this list and these traits interesting compared to the material I was preparing. When servant leadership is demonstrated well, people are drawn in and thrive.

Your Influence Matters

I believe we’re all here for a reason. I believe you’re in the situation you’re in—good or bad, challenging or encouraging—for a reason. You have the opportunity to learn. You have the opportunity to serve. It’s about choosing to do the small things that build trust, inspire others, encourage others, and foster gratitude in others and yourself. By focusing on the well-being and development of others, we can make a lasting impact—not just as leaders but as human beings. One last quote to drive this point home, Donald McGannon says,

Leadership is an action, not a position.

Lead with intention, serve with humility, and influence with purpose.

Be Encouraged. Be an Encourager.

If you’re interested, here is a version of the slide deck I’ve used to present the ideas of servant leadership.
Servant Leadership Slide Deck

Servant Leadership Traits – Desktop Reminder. I have this sitting on my desk at all times.