Inspiring and encouraging other people
In this month’s mindfulness and wellbeing updates we’ll be reflecting on the important task of helping and encouraging other people in our professional and personal lives.
There are a number of reasons why it’s important to help and encourage other people. For example, you might have benefited from the guidance of other people in the past and be in a position to pay this help forwards. You might also have a chance to train or support somebody who is new to your industry or profession, particularly if you feel you have reached a point in your life or your career where you feel you have relevant insights to impart onto other people.
Equally, you might want to help somebody out on a personal level, either in practical terms or in the sense of providing overall support and encouragement, whether this is a friend or family member who is experiencing a major life change like a house move, or someone close to you who is going through a tough situation.
Below we’ve included some tips for encouraging other people, but we would also emphasise that each situation is different and that our ideas aren’t exhaustive, so if you have alternative suggestions then please feel free to write them in the comments.
In no particular order, here are our tips.
Tip number one: Be non-judgmental and practise active listening
Try to be present for the other person and put yourself in their shoes. Remember that you were likely once in a similar situation to them, either when you were a younger person or when you were newer to your area of expertise. If you’re trying to support somebody then use open, encouraging body language, ask open-ended questions and try to actively listen to what the person is saying.
Tip number two: Lean into personal experience where appropriate but avoid giving unsolicited advice
Depending on the situation, it can sometimes be helpful to tell the other person something that worked for you, particularly if you’re trying to guide them on something practical or you’re in a workplace situation where you’re training or mentoring a more junior colleague. If appropriate, talk about mistakes you’ve made or challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve learned from them, since this might reassure the other person that others have faced similar obstacles. At the same time, try to avoid giving unsolicited advice, particularly in more personal situations.
Tip number three: Always give context
If you’re in a situation where you’re trying to teach somebody something, try to explain the rationale for approaching a task in a certain way and explain why you do it and not just how. This can help the other person to work more independently with a better understanding of the task at hand. Where safe and appropriate, try to encourage people to work things out for themselves, including making and learning from their own mistakes, and aim to give people opportunities to learn through doing as well as through seeing.
Tip number four: Be yourself
Be humble and don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know everything, since this shows sincerity and will help to reassure the other person. If you don’t have an immediate answer for something but it’s in your power to find out through research or talking to other people, say that you’ll follow up with more information later as long as you stay true to this.
Tip number five: Make sure people feel seen
A little encouragement can go a long way in helping people feel that their efforts are being recognised and appreciated. Try to acknowledge other people and make sure they feel seen, whether that means celebrating their successes, highlighting ways in which they’re progressed, or just saying that you appreciate the effort they’re putting in. Thank them for showing up and for being present, particularly if you’re helping someone in a work-related context. If you’re trying to help and support someone you know personally, even just telling them you’re glad to see them can be encouraging.
Tip number six: Make sure to check in with people
Sometimes the best gifts that any of us can give to other people is our time and our presence. If you’re helping or encouraging somebody who is struggling for whatever reason then checking in is particularly important because they might not necessarily tell you that they’re having a hard time, or they might not want to ask for your help without being prompted. Even if they don’t necessarily want to open up then it will normally help them to know that you’re available for them.
Lastly, try to use your best judgement and remember that there can be various different approaches to helping people depending on the situation and what your relationship to the other person is, so it’s worth using your instincts to guide you whenever you’re in doubt.
That wraps up our tips on helping and encouraging other people but we’d love to hear your suggestions too, so please don’t hesitate to write them in the comments.
Stay mindful, and thank you for reading our monthly updates!
Sources
Camille Styles
7 Habits of Encouraging People You Can Adopt Today
https://camillestyles.com/wellness/relationships/how-to-encourage-someone
Every Life Matters
How to help others
https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/helping-others
Potential Unlimited
To Be A Strong Leader, Be A Strong Mentor: Tips To Up Your Mentorship Style!
Workleap
How to mentor an employee: 7 techniques from mentors & mentees
https://workleap.com/blog/how-to-mentor-an-employee
Youth Employment UK
How to be a good mentor at work
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/how-to-be-a-good-mentor-at-work
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