About Purpose is about your purpose.
Aim: Identify and articulate your purpose.
Arm: Shape yourself around your purpose.
Act: Achieve your purpose.
Programs:
| Receive our Free email newsletter |
Encouragers in Discouraging Times
Bob Ryan, About Purpose, Inc. ©2003
The memorial service for the seven astronauts who were killed in the Challenger featured a reading from a book of the Bible named Joshua. The theme was, “be strong and courageous; do not be afraid.” The President echoed that advice in his message. The families and friends of the astronauts, and indeed, the whole nation and much of the world, are looking for encouragement in this discouraging situation. We all need to hear encouraging words – especially in situations that are full of anxiety, insecurity, hopelessness, and lack of control. However, words, no matter how nobly quoted or skillfully crafted, are empty unless there is substance behind them.
One role of a leader is to offer encouragement in discouraging times. How well do you perform the role of encourager? Can you turn aside from your own discouragement to offer words of hope to those around you? Do your words instill confidence because your listeners know there is substance behind them? Are you able to motivate people to stir themselves from the shock and lethargy brought about by crises, and to direct themselves toward constructive action?
Here are some practical suggestions for improving your skills and outcomes as an encourager. They are presented in four encourager styles, each specific to different situational needs and your personal leadership abilities.
The Encourager as Cheer Leader: Often, the situation calls only for someone who can hearten or lift the spirits of those around us. In this role, the leader uses positive words, phrases and imagery. The key here is sincerity. People will recognize ungrounded flattery and will feel even more hopeless. You need to know your people well and identify those characteristics that will truly affect the outcome of the situation. The substance behind your words comes from your realistic assessment of them and their skills, and from their trust in you as an authentic and straight-shooting leader.
Joshua used this style in his speech to the Israelites before heading into the Promised Land. In addition to his own long history with these people, he could rely on 40 plus years of miracles as the substance behind his encouragement.
The Encourager as Consultant: When the feeling of hopelessness is high and people seem paralyzed, it is helpful to act as the outsider looking in. In this role, the leader uses calm, clear situational assessment and draws people into step-by-step action. The key here is your ability to break down the problem into bite-size pieces. The substance behind your words comes from your knowledge and track record in the technical aspects of the situation.
NASA is using this style to deal with the Challenger crash. Carefully breaking everything apart and examining all the evidence, they bring a sense of calm, rational action to this disaster.
The Encourager as Coach: When problems are caused by a lack of knowledge or skills or safeguards, people tend to feel defeated, victimized and even guilty. Leaders must step forward in the role of coach. In this role, the leader aggressively builds up the needed skills, empowering people to take control once again. The key here is a non-judgmental, non-blaming approach to problem solving. The substance behind your words is the presence of training, facilitation and a commitment to process improvement.
A good application of this style are peer support boards. The Alternative Board TAB is one example that all of you hear about regularly from me in which business owners in non-competing industries challenge each other to grow their skills and improve their businesses.
The Encourager as Change Agent: Crisis situations tend to present entirely new problems that cannot be addressed with our old skills and processes. Encouragement in these instances is a long-term investment in meeting the challenge. In this role, the leader works as a collaborator, addressing systems issues as well as departmental, team and individual evolution. The key here is a demonstrated commitment to a win-win outcome and a belief in creativity and participation.
This style is illustrated in a recent story on NPR about a software company’s response to the murder of their civilian founder while working with the military in Kuwait. Rather than withdrawing from this highly dangerous partnership with the military, the partners and employees were committed to finding ways to increase their contribution to the war effort while protecting their lives and safety. This clearly signals a paradigm shift in how wars are fought and in the changing roles of civilians and soldiers.
These are just some ideas about how you can express your leadership in different situations. Challenge yourself today to fulfill your leadership role as encourager in discouraging times. Shake yourself out of the discouragement you may be feeling. Choose how you can best contribute to the restoration of hope and move people to productive, constructive action.