Why Encouragement Is The Nourishment We Need Right Now

Today is traumatic. We were not designed to carry this much weight in perpetuity. Constant pivoting wears people down. And whether we know it or not, after more than a year of trying to lead through this craziness, we are all experiencing some degree of trauma with a healthy dose of PTSD to wash it down.

We are not entirely out of the covid-woods yet, but we are running out of gas. And to top it off, the way we work has fundamentally changed, maybe forever. “We can either run from it or learn from it,” as the wise baboon ‘Rafikki’ once said. (Lion King)

Decision fatigue is now a default setting for leaders after facing impossible scenarios and lose-lose catch-22’s day after day with no definitive end in sight.   

Our teams are looking to us for answers that nobody has, not even Fauci. We are exhausted. Some leaders have already tapped out.  

But I’m afraid it won’t be decision fatigue that ultimately takes us out; it will be a lack of encouragement over a long period of time…

---

In times of crisis, encouragement is the first to go.

We instinctively move into ‘manage’ and problem-solving mode, and the last thing on anyone’s mind is taking the time to say, “way to go.”

We all need to be affirmed, but that’s especially true in this post-quarantine season of uncertainty that has everyone asking big questions like:

• Why am I here? What is my purpose?

Does anyone care about me?

• Do I need an office? Does what I do make a difference?

Do I have allergies?

FWIW, if you sneeze in 2021, everyone feels better if you say you do.

In times of crisis, encouragement is the first to go. Share on X

---

Encouragement becomes a necessity in times of uncertainty.

Don’t wait for things to get “back to normal” to build up your team. Pull your optional mask down and pay a compliment NEEOOOWW! (Jack Bauer voice!)

While mandates are lifting and masks are lowering, we are entering another new chapter of ambiguity that can only be described as ‘No Man’s Land.’ (A beautiful blend of Zoom and Room.)

Leaders who love black and white will struggle if they don’t find a way to embrace the gray that will define this next phase.  

Encouragement becomes a necessity in times of uncertainty. Share on X

---

5 WAYS TO GIVE PRAISE ‘TODAY’

1. HIGHLIGHT A SINGLE SQUARE.

Nothing feels better than being recognized in front of your peers in a multi-page meeting on Zoom, especially when you don’t expect it.

“You can’t do this for everyone, but it’s a silver bullet you can use for someone.“

2. HIGHLIGHT A SINGLE CHAIR.

When meeting in real life, take the extra time to notice that ONE person. Introverts can disappear behind a screen, but we have an opportunity to make them feel seen again by making it about them for a moment.

“It’s hard to feel valued when you feel invisible.“

3. GO ANALOG.

This is the one that continues to elude me. (Why don’t I do that? Why do I do what I don’t want? And don’t do what I do do??? Why? I just don’t!)

If you’re determined enough to find a stamp and figure out how to mail a card, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say, “You are a modern-day hero.” No one can take that away from you!

Even if it’s just the stock message and a sig—it’s so stinkin’ rare these days to get something tactile—it automatically feels more meaningful.

Bottom line, writing a note offers a disproportionate return on effort.

If leaders were as good about this as realtors (minus the magnets), the world would be a better place.

“When everything is digital, analog feels special.“

4. PROP YOUR ZOOM DOOR OPEN.

There’s a lot to process these days ranging from politics to purpose, mental health to measuring up, and everything in-between—especially if you lead creatives who can quickly spiral into a lack of purpose paralysis.

If you have the option of a classic pop-in, that’s ideal. If not, let your team know your zoom door is always open to talk it out. Landing a virtual flyby simply to say thanks and check-in goes a long way. It might take you ten minutes. It could make their day.

“No agenda is the only agenda.“

5. TEXT AND SAY HEY.

Text messages are a great way to say hey with less human interaction, showers, and structured schedules.

For example… Hey [name]! You are doing a bang-up job. Then give a specific example of something you’ve noticed them doing well. If you like to have fun like me, you can even throw in some emojis. 😉

“The more specific, the more meaningful it will be. “

(Not the more emojis… The more specific.)

---

We might be back, but we are not the same.

We all went through the same pandemic, but we all had a different experience.

It will take time to build our capacity back up to what it was as we relearn how to handle more than one or two things in a day WITHOUT needing a snack or completely tanking. Luckily the whole world is in the same boat (or hammock), so give yourself a break!

And while you’re at it…

Give people grace to get their legs and space to get their kids off the bus.  

---

You lead people, not robots.

Robots can endlessly execute without expectations; humans need purpose, and they need to know we care, or they can choose to leave.

Robots can endlessly execute without expectations; humans need purpose, and they need to know we care, or they can choose to leave. Share on X

---

Now is NOT the time to coast on encouragement!

As uncertain as we are about the future, I’m pretty darn sure we won’t regret praising our people in the middle of the mess. We will all be indelibly marked by this quarantine quagmire one way or the other.

How cool would it be if the people you lead looked back on this time and remembered how much you believed in them, fought for them, and cheered them on?

While many leaders are consumed with worry and having answers they don’t need, don’t miss this chance to go the other way. Encourage your team in this time of need.

“You only have today and possibly tomorrow.”

But do it today.

---

Thanks for reading, commenting, correcting me, and sharing! 

I sincerely hope these ‘slightly right-brain’ takes on leading people and building healthy culture prove to be helpful in your context as well.

If so, let me know.

If not, it’s just a blog, so chill out!