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Just A Thought
"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30 NIV
Greetings Friend,
Of all the articles we have written to date, none has engendered more positive responses than the Sam Effect. It confirmed what I have long suspected...that there is a great deal of need for the Divine gift of encouragement expressed through human interaction. During life's daily grind we can too often get 'ground up' by all of the demands placed upon our mental, emotional and physical resources. Let's be honest, we all get beat up at times by this thing called life. And just when we are about to give up and give in, along comes a smiling face and an encouraging word. What effect does that have on you? On someone else? Let's talk about it.
- Rolfe
Is "Encouragement" the Solution You Need?
Is encouragement the solution YOU really need? Far too often, we see encouragement as a soft skill... something we offer our families and seek from close friends... but far too rarely as a most profitable business and life solution. At Carawan Global Group, we are out to change that.
en⋅cour⋅age [en-kur-ij, -] verb
- to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence
- to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.
- to promote, advance, or foster
Looking at the definition of "encourage" above, I am left thinking: what could be a more profitable and relevant solution for Main Street America? I think we'd all agree that everyone from the small business owner to the school teacher, to the corporate executive could benefit from being advanced, promoted and inspired with courage and confidence.
As a motivational speaker, I am no stranger to the power of encouragement. My career has been built on it. But, how do we take encouragement OFF of the platform and ON to the pavement of our businesses, school systems, churches, and government agencies? How can we BUILD a culture of encouragement ... and how can we make it profitable?
The first step in creating a culture of encouragement is the commitment to do so. Only after recognizing encouragement as a "real solution" can we work to cultivate this type of atmosphere. This realization will play a big role in your willingness to cultivate this type of atmosphere. Encouragement inspires people to face challenges head on, stimulates the willingness to find intrinsic value in overcoming, and provides a hope that our ability to truly thrive is only found in struggle.
As a leader today, you are up against some tough circumstances. If you are like many of the leaders I meet with personally, it probably seems like you are a professional "fireman", rather than a true professional.... putting out fires wherever you go, and wherever you go, putting out fires. This leaves very little room for strategic and innovative action. You can change this - simply by building a culture of encouragement.
Far too often, we see a lot of things wrong, and seek to "fix it." But this approach can cause resentment and a pessimistic "there's nothing I can do" attitude. A far more profitable approach is in increasing your recognition, acknowledgement and acts of appreciation.
So, instead of saving the forest by putting out fires, you can go about the task of planting trees. I ask each of my clients to commit to the following:
For the next two weeks, how about deliberately building or contributing to a culture of encouragement? Let your people know that what they do is being seen and appreciated. Show them that you seek to reward productivity. When possible, recognize your team in front of people.... Go out of your way to recognize them in front of their families when possible. (A simple phone call on their day off will suffice!) How could this commitment change YOUR culture at work? At home?
Leave a comment on this issue on My Blog.
What's Going On With Rolfe?
- Preparing for the 3rd session of our Leadership Academy and Roundtable. This week we will uncover the true mission of a manager: Getting things done through other people! If you'd like your own FREE Special Report <#9_Link-Free Special Report Request#>
- Beginning the six month training program for Virginia Eye Consultants.
- Breaking into the sound waves on Itunes. Search and download my available Podcasts for emerging leaders.
- Working with the management team at Freedom Automotive, helping equip them to truly be a "different kind of dealership."
- Recording an E-Book for the upcoming release of Run to the Roar: A Fable of Choice, Courage, and Hope, co-authored with Congressman Randy Forbes.
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Face Your Fears: Run to the Roar
Rolfe encourages viewers to face their fears and inspires action in his timeless speech Run to the Roar. Click here to watch.
 Rolfe's
Ramblings
November 12, 2009:
Who is Your Favorite Chef?
November 3, 2009:
The "RIGHT" Strengths
October 28, 2009:
A Marriage "Happens" After the Wedding
October 21, 2009:
How to Reinvent in a Dying Industry
Run to the Roar
Uncertainty, fear and insecurity abound. We are at a critical juncture, but th
ere is truly only one question that begs to be answered: Will you react to this fear and uncertainty or will you respond?
<#7_Link-Clicked Newsletter_ Run to the Roar#>
Podcast from a Paraclete
par⋅a⋅clete [par-uh-kleet] an advocate or encourager
Download Rolfe's dynamic teaching now available on his podcast channel. Listen to topics such as What in the World Are You Thinking? and Authentic Happiness.
<#5_Link-RT_Clicked Podcast#>
"When will this government listen to the voice of wisdom?"
Randy Forbes addresses the CAUSES of a bad economy, not just the SYMPTOMS, on the U.S. Floor in his One Minute Speech.
Click here to watch.
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