imapMyTeam Blog

The Power of Encouragement

 “A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.”

                                                                                                                                -Unknown

The epic story told in The Lord of the Rings trilogy is filled with examples of encouragement. Consider this conversation between Frodo and Gandalf in an early scene from The Fellowship of the Ring:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide.  All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

When we think about encouraging or motivating others we often think about what to say – words ARE important, but encouragement is more than just words.  In the scene above, Gandalf’s response is designed to give Frodo vision beyond himself and a sense of great purpose.  With this insight Frodo is able to commit himself completely to a monumental journey.  (Anyone familiar with this story knows this is not the only time Gandalf will need to encourage Frodo along the way to ultimate victory).

Remaining competitive and successful in today’s marketplace is an ongoing struggle – whatever you’re grappling with, it helps to hear words of encouragement that remind us that we all take our share of knocks, but the best things in life come through persistence.

Individual and/or team success requires a certain level of motivation and an appropriate type of encouragement.  The more people receive the kind of support they need along the way, the easier it is for them to stay focused on the task or journey and see it through to completion.

imapMyTeam® is your key understanding just the right way to encourage others when they need it most.  Refer to the attached grid to see the best way to encourage your employees or teammates. Identify what quadrant their circle symbol falls in and then frame your encouragement  accordingly.

In addition to successful outcomes, relationships are strengthened and unshakable trust established.

The supportive characters in Mr. Frodo’s journey offered boundless encouragement and as a band of unlikely heroes, they were not only victorious, but enriched by their relationships.