SHUT UP AND CLAP

The Point:  New skills require the jump start of encouragement.

Every family has stories that stick.  One of our stories belongs to my younger brother.  When he was four years old, he would drag up an ottoman, stand on it and face the couch.  Those seated on the couch would receive a serenade.  When he finished singing, he would unabashedly say, “Ya’ll clap now.”
And we would!  At this stage, he wasn’t looking for a critique.  That would come later—maybe.  For now, we just needed to shut up and clap.

As we grow, we learn not to request applause.  But we never stop craving encouragement.  This is especially true during times of skill development.  Encouragement provides its middle name: courage.
It helps sustain motivation to endure the discomfort of learning.  As a leader, you will be measured by the success of those you lead.  Encouragement aids in the process of making this success a reality.

Do not forget that Servant Leadership seeks to provide what is best for the one being led.  A major component of this is encouragement.  Guidance is needed.  Corrections are required.  There will be plenty of time for that.  Be sure to set a precedent of praise.  Ensure that they know you are a fan.
You see both the present success and the potential for the future.  Shut up and clap.

Mike Gibson

MRG Presentations, LLC

Training the Brain for Behavioral Change