The Power of Encouragement [VIDEO]

Welcome to the Leadership Advantage. Today, we are focusing on a leadership tool called the power of encouragement.

Why Encouragement Matters

Encouragement might seem small, but it has a massive impact. When you can speak into somebody’s life consistently with words of encouragement, you will find that they move forward with confidence.

Proverbs 15 says: Oh, how good it is to receive a timely word. Encouragement is not just something that is extra to add on. It is actually essential. Encouragement isn’t just one of those feel-good things that you should do because you are a nice person. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us that we are to find creative ways to spur one another on to love and good deeds.

It’s Not Just Nice; It’s strategic.

When you get affirmed for something, it helps you to know that you are doing the right thing. It brings clarity. And when somebody acknowledges that you are doing something really well, it gives you energy. And that translates to commitment.

But when encouragement is missing, what happens? You have drift, doubt, and disengagement. When you are not encouraged, you drift from mission. And when you begin to doubt yourself, you will eventually disengage.

Psychology confirms what the scripture really has said all along –  that God has created us with agency. We have been created in his image. I like to think of it as self-efficacy – to believe that God can use me, that I can do something of value, and that what I do can succeed and make a difference.

Encouragement multiplies momentum

When leaders offer encouragement, they are multiplying performance. When you encourage somebody, you get a return on an investment that cost you nothing.

Why is that? Because mindset drives behavior. False praise and false encouragement will do more harm than good. But real encouragement multiplies that momentum. When they know you believe in them, they begin to believe in themselves. Let me give you two real-world illustrations.

One is Lindsey Vaughn, a name you probably know. She is an Olympic skier and gold medalist. Her journey began with a 90-second conversation with her hero Picabo Street. The conversation went from casual to catalytic when Picabo said: You can do it; you can be an Olympic gold medalist. Picabo showed Lindsey that she could become a gold medal skier.

A second illustration is Eric Thomas, who went from being homeless to a high-impact global speaker. Today, he is in demand around the globe as a motivational speaker. Well, how did he accomplish that? One of his mentors challenged him. And that’s a different kind of encouragement. There’s a “Good job, way to go, pat on the back” kind of encouragement, but there’s also the “challenge” kind of encouragement. Think of it as an admonition. His mentor said this: Do the work. Success is not for the faint of heart. Success will follow the commitment to hard work. That was a word of encouragement.

The Cost of Silence

Now what happens when we withhold encouragement? People begin to question the value of their worth to you and to the organization. They hold back; they’re not as creative; their initiative becomes lost. Over time, that will take its toll on the overall culture.

Charles Swindoll said something that has stuck with me for a long time: he said, encouragement is the oxygen of the soul. Meaning silence suffocates, but encouragement breathes life into others.

Be Generous with Encouragement

So, it all comes down to this.

1. You, as a leader, can use this powerful tool to help shape the climate and culture of your organization. You set the tone.

2. Your words are like the air that you breathe out and other people breathe in. They begin to manifest and demonstrate what you are modeling. As a leader, speak life into people. Speak hope into people.

3. Use authentic and intentional words of encouragement.

That’s a leadership advantage you’ll never regret.

Here’s a closing thought. Encouragement isn’t just about morale. It is the force that fuels vision. It lifts up people, and it multiplies impact.

As humans, we all face times when we are discouraged, defeated, and tired. We can rent space in our heads to the wrong person. So, over the years, I’ve collected scores of thank-you notes and words of encouragement. And I have found that it’s good for me to go back and read them. If I had just thrown the card away, those words would have lost the power of the enduring encouragement that they bring.

So what should you do? Be generous with encouragement. Be intentional. Be an encourager. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb. Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones,” Proverbs 16:24

Contact us to learn how our experienced coaches can help you create a culture of encouragement in your church, business, or nonprofit organization.

Dave Marks serves as Vice President and Senior Consultant at The Center Consulting Group, bringing over 35 years of church ministry experience, including 23 years as a senior pastor. He holds an M.S. in Organizational Leadership and a D.Min. in Leadership. Dave partners with church and nonprofit leaders to resolve conflict and restore relationships, build high-performing teams, analyze and strengthen organizational culture, and educate and train staff and volunteers. Dave is passionate about coaching others towards organizational and leadership health, and refining systems and processes for sustainable growth. His holistic approach integrates strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational diagnostics to help ministries thrive in every season. An avid follower of NASCAR and Indy Racing, Dave brings the same passion and precision from the racetrack to every consulting engagement.

Recent Videos