“How to be More Encouraging”
John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach for UCLA, used to tell players who scored to acknowledge the player who passed them the ball, so they can be encouraged for their contribution to the score. The players responded, “What if he’s not looking?” John Wooden replied, “I guarantee he’ll look.”
His point is that everyone values encouragement and actually looks for it. How many times do we see children look for their parent’s approval and encouragement every time they accomplish something great? When encouragement doesn’t come after our efforts it can be discouraging and de-motivating.
Acts 4:36 (NIV)
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),
It is interesting to think of the kind of reputation Joseph from Cyprus must’ve had amongst the apostles that they would change his name to Barnabas! We know later that Barnabas was an encouragement to the beleaguered Saul of Tarsus, presenting him to the apostles to verify his conversion and transformation as a genuine believer. He later takes Saul with him to encourage the early believers throughout the region.
“Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.” – George Adams, Physician
The bible mandates us as believers to make encouragement a lifestyle! There are so many natural forces that discourage us that we need to surround ourselves with people who believe in us and can encourage us.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Romans 15:2 (NLT2)
2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.
The Greek word for “build up” is actually a construction word (oikodome) that means “to build up or construct a house.” In English we translate it into build up or edification. When we encourage someone we strengthen, support and buttress their soul in such a way that allows them to keep moving forward.
The following are some great steps you can take to become more encouraging:
- Catch people doing something right.
Don’t just wait for their efforts to become obvious to all, actually be on the lookout for fruitful behavior. Point out to them that you see what they are doing and appreciate their contributions. Be on the lookout constantly for positive behavior that contributes to a “win.”
“Progress is highly encouraging!”
- Be specific with your praise.
Don’t just give out a generic, “Good job.” Rather, be specific with your praise. Point out what it was that was “good” about their job. Point out that they handled a question with great patience, treated someone very kindly, or gave special attention to the details of a flyer.
“What gets celebrated, gets done!”
- Clearly define what a “win” is for your team.
What would happen if you took your ministry team bowling and hid the pins from their sight? Say you told them you expected them to still bowl a high score, but they won’t be able to see the ball actually hit the pins. People want to know they are actually accomplishing something of great worth. Help them see what affects their efforts are having on people. When your “win” isn’t defined, your volunteers won’t know why they should even show up. Some will actually define their own win that could be detrimental to the team or the ministry.
Make sure your ministry “win” is…
…simple.
…measurable.
…communicated.
Make sure you spread the compliments, stories, testimonies out to everyone who was involved. Sharing positive news about the team’s efforts supercharges the team with enthusiasm and vision that is very contagious. Post numbers, talk about names, pass around stories and celebrate together! Take the team out for pizza or coffee just for the purpose of celebrating!
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.