The power of encouragement

Well, my plan for this week's edition was based on a hypothesis that didn't hold water.

Here's what I wanted to share:

For every Jamie Dimon and Elon Musk statement of doom and gloom, I was going to point you to examples of encouragement in thought leadership to serve as case studies on whom to watch and learn from.

I found - not much!

While only 1 of the 10 in my straw poll said something in the past month to distinctly encourage - while markets are in disarray and scores are being laid off.

The one who did shared a heartfelt encouragement to her audience - words of calm, hope, and examples of what foward-thinking, effective leadership.

Often, we're quiet when our voice is needed most. Why do we hesitate to speak in tough times?

1. We don't believe we can contribute (whether expertise, unique insight, solutions)
2. We think that others are already saying what needs to be said.
3. We're afraid of criticism.

Let's explore these.

1. If you are leading a team, a business, a family, yourself - you have something to say. Speak from your own synergy of thought leadership (your expertise, your lived experience, education, synthesis of what you've learned). Give from what you have.
2. I promise you, the folks who follow you will not see and read what you see and read. They look to you for insights. It might surprise you that you mentor at scale - here and now. Some folks read every single thing you write and it's life-giving to them.

Whether its ten or ten thousand, there are people who hang on your every word. You're mentoring. They need to hear from you.

1. I say this with a smile - there is all-caps ZERO DOUBT that criticism will come. This is an entire topic for future writing, but hear this - if you are saying something of value, detractors will come - it's inevitable, and a badge of honor when fussing starts - you're achieving visibility. Accept it and move forward :) But your platform is yours. Delete comments that aren't acceptable if you wish. It's like your house - you are unlikely to accept graffiti on your sidewalk or porch.

How to: encourage via thought leadership

• Once a week, write a LinkedIn article that encourages, points a way forward, and inspires.
• Share what helps you. Be authentic.
• You don't have all the answers Just say what you would say to me at coffee if I was feeling down, scared about the economy, my portfolio, my revenue.

What your thought leadership can accomplish:

Your employees are listening to Jamie Dimon, Elon - and in fear and on fumes, return home to be wives, husbands, parents.?

I personally consider this work of mine an honor, my duty, and my responsibility. It's my role in my company and in my family to encourage, give hope, and reassurance right now.

What happens when you encourage your teams? They read your encouragement, and immediately, start to feel differently, calmer, more able. They:

• Have a reason to continue being a calm mom or dad in the face of unbelievable stress after a layoff
• Lead their teams with empathy instead of reaction
• Have the presence of mind to notice when their teen is depressed
• Have the heart to not respond in road rage when cut off on their way home.

That's the difference that encouragement and hope can make.

I'm watching, listening, applauding your voice that helps counteracts all the fear we are pounded with all day long.

Do your part, friends! Use your voice. encourage, and point a way forward.