Yesterday, I received this card from my four-year-old. As I admired this card, I recognized the emotions going on inside me. These simple words of belief in me from my son made me feel like I could do anything. How can some simple words from a young kid move me into so much action? In fact, how can such simple words move us in general. In these times I think we should take a closer look at this.
I feel that as leaders we have the opportunity to do this to others in our lives. If you have been the recipient of a note of encouragement you know what I'm talking about. I'm assuming you can recall a few instances in your life where you were given something handwritten by a leader that saw potential in you. What did this do to you? Guess what? You can do this to others too and have the same kind of impact my son had on me.
If you are like me, you have some excuses. Here are mine.
Excuses:
Time: I always use the excuse that I don't have the time to write notes to encourage my team or others around me. This note is 5 words. Five! Do you have time to write 5 words to someone today? Of course!
Profound: Often I desire to encourage someone but I don't think I have eloquent words to share what I want to say. Does it have to be profound to make an impact? No! Simple words communicate so much even if it's just a sentence.
Length: I can catch myself not wanting to encourage because I don't have a lot to say other than a few words. I tell myself that no one is going to want to read a few words and therefore I never act on it. I somehow convince myself that a few words won't be worth their time. Look back at my son's note. Five words. That's it. Few words can even be more powerful. Don't believe this lie.
Team Impact:
As I encourage teams and leaders to be life-giving leaders and create a culture of trust and cohesion, I can't think of a better way to establish a culture of gratitude and encouragement. Imagine the difference between a team that never does this and a team that does this often. Which one would you like to be part of? What kind of leader are you trying to be.
Go on. And if you need additional inspiration read this card from my son with your name at the end. You can do it _______.
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Justin
