52 Different Ways to Encourage Language Verbal acknowledgment and words of belief and recognition are one of the most often used methods of encouragement. What we say and how we say it can make all the difference in whether someone is inspired to move forward with confidence or shut down cold with selfdoubt. Take notice of your language and what hits a note that sparks your coachee’s energy. Recognition Recognizing someone’s accomplishments, dedication or any other outstanding behaviour publicly can be an enormous encouragement. A mention in a newsletter or trade magazine can make all the difference for someone. A quick call out to the group about an individual’s accomplishment before a meeting starts can leave someone with a lasting sense of encouragement. Caution: Before doing any type of public encouragement, be certain this would be encouraging for the coachee. Some people actually shut down with public recognition, preferring that recognition be done privately, one-on-one. Another form of recognition is to acknowledge the difficulty or challenge the coachee may be facing or has faced. Knowing they aren’t alone in their difficulty or challenge can greatly encourage the coachee to keep moving forward. Focused Time Taking the time to listen to someone’s ideas, solicit their opinion or just to be with them in a different setting such as going out to lunch can be a wonderful encouragement. It leaves them with the message that they matter and are valued. Trusting Giving authority and trusting their decisions can be an enormous encouragement. Asking for input and being genuinely curious about their perspectives, beliefs and ideas says you trust they have value to add. This message can encourage coachee’s to think and act well beyond where they might have without that encouragement. Your Encouraging Inventory and Improvement Plan How can you learn what approaches work best to encourage individuals? What gets in the way of you encouraging others? How will you recognize your personal filters getting in the way of encouragement? PART FOUR - THE 5 CORE COACHING SKILLS Key Learning Points Encouragement starts with listening. Everyone responds differently to different types of encouragement. It is important to have the essence of encouragement in all of your coaching. In coaching, we encourage the person, not the results. Acknowledgment is a powerful component of encouraging and is not to be confused with praise or compliments. Language, recognition, focused time and trust are four of the most common ways we can encourage someone.
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