ENCOURAGEMENT
The Christian Leadership Connection
by Jonas Clark
We might as well face it, people do grow weary in well doing. That’s
why it's important to encourage the hearts of your team as they
carry out the vision. In this article we discover some truths that
help us develop strong leaders by
showing appreciation for individual excellence, celebrating shared
values and victories, and setting an example for others to follow.
At the heart of leadership is the passion for the cause. Passion
defines our purpose and gets us out of bed each morning. Passion
only takes us so far, however, we still need somebody to encourage
us to go a little farther and reach a little higher. Scripture says,
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall
reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9.
Weariness happens. People can get worn out even doing the right
things. Delays, stress, spiritual warfare, long hours and personal
sacrifices all play a part in suppressing our passion and
undermining our effectiveness. This is where encouragement comes
into play. Leaders need to learn the skills of encouraging the
heart.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Encouragement finds its root in the Latin word cor, meaning heart.
Heart is the place where both passion and courage reside. Amazingly,
courage also finds expression in the Latin word cor. Courage is the
ability to face danger, endure hardship and overcome obstacles. In
courage is found the grit necessary to become an effective leader.
The most common way to attack ones passion and courage is through
discouragement and weariness. Scripture says,
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit
drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
Encouragement is the…
• Expression of approval and support.
• Act of giving hope and assurance.
• Feeling of being inspired through confidence.
• The assurance that you can do it.
• That needed pat on the back.
Good leaders recognize and acknowledge the contributions of others.
They offer personalized public recognition for a job well done.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
Encouragement through public recognition is a major element in the leadership connection.
Through it the heart is encouraged. In fact, people are starving for
positive recognition and affirmation. When was the last time you
felt appreciated for the hard work that you have done?
Public recognition for a job well done produces inspiring kinetics
in the organization such as:
• Public recognition builds self-esteem.
• A sense of belonging.
• Recognition connects us to the organization’s shared values.
• Makes us feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
• That we are appreciated.
Public recognition can be offered through various events and the
offering of awards. Awards are important because they make people
feel special. Awards make people feel like their efforts are
important, valued and appreciated. Awards also let others know what
is important to the organization.
Award recipients become the organizations role models. These role
models will be looked up to as good examples of performance. Awards
connect people to what’s important in the organization.
When planning an award celebration every leader needs to make sure
they answer the question, “What message is this award sending to
those in attendance?” It’s important not to award those who really
didn’t perform or don’t have the organization’s shared values of
excellence. Awards for inadequate performance only release
confusion. Awards for excellence, however, will produce positive
dynamics in any organization.
Effective leadership is not the result of doing one thing. Success
is the result of the dynamics that leaders have set in motion.
Effective leadership dynamics are the results of everything that a
leader has done that produces forward motion. Success, therefore,
doesn’t come about because you did one thing but many things that
play on each other.
CELEBRATE TOGETHER
Real leadership requires a belief in the people on the team. That
belief can be demonstrated through the offering of awards for
outstanding achievement.
Organizational celebrations for achievement of goals are one of
those valuable dynamics mentioned above. When we celebrate together
it offers an opportunity to reinforce our shared values as an
organization and for people to see what really matters to us.
To celebrate means to approve, applaud, approve, brag, cheer, clap,
commend, complement, or offer kudos and praise.
Encouraging the heart through celebrations for the accomplishment of
goals and the offering of personalized awards of achievement are a
powerful way to build moral and stir up passion.
The use of public awards and celebrating together create an array of
values including:
• Recognition of those who went above and beyond the call of duty.
• Public awards describe to others your standards of excellence.
Awards can be almost anything from a patch, ribbon, flowers,
plaques, dinner coupons, gifts, certificates, a metal or pin.
Remember that people tend to live up to or down to the expectation
of them. Don’t award people who haven’t accomplished anything, but
do connect to your performers by encouraging the hearts of those who
have.
EXERCISE
Make a list of three people in your organization who are really
doing a fine job. Pay particular attention to the advancement of
your shared values and objectives.
1.____________________
2.____________________
3.____________________
Now think about three ways you could honor them for their
achievements. Don’t forget to personalize the recognition of them.
Find out something specific about them, something personal and
unique that best describes them.
1.____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________
Finally consider what type of public celebration would best fit your
organizations personality.
______________________
Become a connected leader today and release some positive dynamics
in your organization by encouraging the heart of your team members
that are doing a good job.
APERCU
Passion only takes us so far we still need somebody to
encourage us to go a little farther and reach a little higher.
Encouragement finds its root in the Latin word cor, meaning
heart.
The most common way to attack ones passion and courage is through
discouragement and weariness.
Good leaders recognize and acknowledge the contributions of others
Public recognition is a major element in the leadership connection.
Awards make people feel like their efforts are important, valued and
appreciated.
When planning an award celebration every leader needs to make sure
they answer the question, “What message is this award sending to
those in attendance?”
Effective leadership dynamics are the results of everything that a
leader has done that produces forward motion.
Real leadership requires a belief in the people on the team.
© by Jonas Clark
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