Three Encouragement Rules

Everyone needs a cheerleader, an encourager, someone to say 'atta boy or girl' in their life. Denzel Washington says, "Show me a successful individual and I'll show you someone who didn't want for positive influences in his or her life."It can be as simple as sending an email.

My husband received an encouraging email, praising him on a volunteer job that he does for the church(sound board). Because he works hard at this, he was absolutely thrilled and felt validated for the time he puts in to make it sound good. He was happy someone noticed and it brightened his day.

What did his encourager need to be aware of to make an impact in my husband's life? He needed to know that Dale cared about what he did; he needed to know the complexity of the job, and the realization that it did indeed sound good. Genuine interest in the performance, knowledge of the job and sensitivity of the person involved--three rules that help you know how to encourage another. It boils down to training your senses to be aware of those around you.

Everyone wants to know that what they do counts. You can make a difference by telling them.