To Inspire:

I love our mission to help people live great lives. For us it applies to each other here at the office as well as to our clients, family, and friends.

Some of you know that I’ve become part of a local movement centered on encouragement – led by a not for profit called You’re Amazing. Encouraging others is so important in helping them (and us) live a great life. We all need to encourage and be encouraged – that we are valued not for what we do but simply for who we are. When you really think about it, each person is… amazing!  People’s dreams and goals matter as do their challenges, joys and sorrows – entering into others’ lives with encouragement is so important!

I’ve been reflecting on ways to encourage others and while we often think of words of encouragement, listening is also a great way to encourage. Listening shows that we care, and that at that moment nothing is more important than what a person is saying to us. A podcast I listened to recently shared some great tips on how to be a good listener. Here are a few of their suggestions:

1. Enter a conversation with a mindset that you want to really listen to the other person. Intention and desire are so important when it comes to listening.
2. Make sure that you are giving physical cues that you are listening – turn your body to face the person and look directly at them.
3. Listen not just with your ears – but with your heart. What emotions lay under what they are sharing with you?
4. Seek to convey that you are really hearing what they’re saying – through your facial expressions and nodding.
5. Ask clarifying questions if needed and if appropriate, share back what you heard them say. When a person knows they’ve been heard, they are encouraged!
6. Finally, assess whether they want advice or simply want you to listen. So often we jump in to fix someone’s problem or challenge when really, they just want to be heard.

Listening is such an important part of encouraging others. And encouraging others is such an important part of living a great life and helping others live a great life. Determine each morning that you are going to listen well that day!

Greatness – it lies within each of us. Let it out and watch the world change for the better.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder