# The Art of Encouragement by Jordan Montgomery - Blinkist What’s in it for me? Learn the language of encouragement. In every aspect of your life, whether personal or professional, you encounter a diverse range of people. They come from different backgrounds, hold varying beliefs, and approach life with unique perspectives. Some may be open and warm, while others might be more reserved or skeptical. You might admire certain traits in some, find others frustrating, or wish to emulate a particular approach. Yet, despite all these differences, there’s one thing that connects us all: the need for encouragement. Encouragement is the universal language we all understand. It’s the oxygen for our souls, a powerful tool that can uplift others and help them reach their potential. But let’s be honest: how often do we truly encourage those around us? And when we do, are we doing it effectively? Most of us could use a little help in this area. This Blink is designed to guide you through the art of encouragement, introducing you to six key encouragement styles. Whether you're a natural motivator or someone who wants to improve, you’ll find practical tips to help you inspire others and bring out their best. Ready to discover how a few well-chosen words can make all the difference? Dive in and start encouraging! Encouragement and self-encouragement are powerful tools Encouragement comes in many forms, but one of the most powerful is uplifting encouragement. Life is full of ups and downs, with peaks of success and valleys of struggle. Those valley moments can feel endless – like when you face setbacks at work, experience a loss, or simply feel stuck in a rut. During these tough times, it’s easy to lose sight of hope, even for the most optimistic among us. But what can help you and others navigate these challenging periods with grace? Steadfast, uplifting encouragement. Don’t mistake encouragement for empty or fluffy words – it’s much more than that. Encouragement is the lifeblood of positivity. For someone in a valley, it can feel like a lifeline, a rope thrown into what seems like a bottomless pit. It’s the foundation of strong families, thriving teams, and supportive communities. When you encourage others, you’re making a real impact. You’re lifting them up when they need it most. And here’s something even more powerful: that uplift doesn’t just help others it helps you, too. Learning the art of self-encouragement can pull you out of life’s valleys. This means that when you encourage yourself, you can actually change the way your brain works. Science tells us that our repeated thoughts create grooves in our brains – like well-worn paths. The more we think a certain way, the deeper those grooves become. But thanks to neuroplasticity, our brains can change and form new grooves. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This means that when you practice positive, encouraging thoughts, you’re reshaping your brain to think more positively over time – all thanks to neuroplasticity, And what’s more encouraging than knowing you can change your inner landscape? Your ability to encourage others starts with how you speak to yourself. So, here’s a challenge: Take a moment to improve your environment, as it directly impacts your mental state. This might be as simple as externalizing those positive thoughts by writing them down somewhere you can refer back to them later. Many people find journaling a helpful way to practice self-encouragement. Grab a notebook and reflect on what accomplishments you’re proud of, what you’re excited about, and what you did right today. Remember, this is a practice – be consistent and self-compassionate, and you’ll see results. With time, you’ll find yourself more equipped to uplift both yourself and those around you. Praise the person, not the performance Which words of encouragement resonate more deeply with you? “You really nailed that spreadsheet, Elodie. I appreciate your commitment to the task and attention to detail. Those numbers are watertight! ” Or: “Elodie, I want to take a moment to recognize your dedication and work ethic. You bring so much to the team, and I can see how it inspires others to match your efforts, too! ” The second example is clearly more impactful, but why? The difference lies in the focus. The first example praises performance – how well Elodie completed a task. The second example, however, praises her character – who she is as a person. Character encouragement is far more powerful because it prioritizes the “who” over the “do. ” While it’s easy to praise someone based on performance – metrics, achievements, or status – focusing on their character is both more challenging and more rewarding. We often say “good job”’ when someone gets a promotion or hits a sales target, but we might overlook traits like consistency, discipline, and dedication. In a leadership role, focusing too much on performance-based encouragement can create the impression that you only value people for their contributions to the bottom line, a common pitfall in corporate culture. It’s easier to notice scores and sales numbers than to invest time in understanding and recognizing the innate qualities of your team members. But when we connect with someone’s character, it fulfills a deeper need – the need to be seen and valued for who we are, not just what we do. Character encouragement is more fulfilling and ultimately more motivating. Praise tied to performance can feel conditional, making people feel valued only as long as they maintain high performance. In contrast, character encouragement recognizes and affirms the qualities that allow someone to achieve those results in the first place. Even those who seem to perform effortlessly – like the top salesperson, the straight-A student, or the parent who never misses an appointment – can benefit from character encouragement. No one is ever too high-performing or too successful to need acknowledgment of their intrinsic traits. Highlighting and appreciating these qualities is meaningful, even when performance metrics are already high. Here’s a challenge: think of someone close to you, like your partner. The next time you’re tempted to offer performance-based encouragement like, “Thanks for waking up early with the kids today; that meant a lot to me,” try reformulating it into character-based encouragement. For example, “I’m so grateful for your selflessness and dedication to our family. It really shows how much you care about us. ” This shift in focus can make your encouragement more impactful and fulfilling. Illuminate new possibilities for others Tom Landry, the legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys, once said, “A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be. ” As an illuminating encourager, you’re a bit like Coach Landry, but instead of highlighting hard truths, you’re shining a light on the positive truths people might not see in themselves. Think about how often you’ve sat with friends or colleagues who downplay their abilities, talk themselves out of pursuing opportunities, or avoid risks because they doubt their potential. Meanwhile, you see them brimming with talent, creativity, and promise – qualities they’re blind to because they’re their own harshest critics. Where you see a natural leader or a brilliant problem solver, they might see inexperience or inadequacy. That’s where you step in with vision casting. Vision casting is about shining a spotlight on someone’s strengths and helping them see what they’re truly capable of achieving. It’s like illuminating a path they hadn’t considered, guiding them toward a destination they didn’t know was within reach. We often get stuck in indecision or fear of failure, but by casting a vision, you help others see the possibilities ahead. Consider the idea of casting votes for yourself, where each positive action you take is a vote for the person you aspire to be. When you cast a vision for others, you’re helping them cast votes for their own potential identity. For example, telling a colleague, "I see you as someone who could lead this project to success with your innovative ideas," can help them start seeing themselves as a capable leader. Illuminating encouragement and vision casting aren’t just for those below you on the ladder. They’re equally valuable when directed upward. Leaders and high achievers often receive little encouragement from those they lead, yet they too benefit from seeing a vision for their future. Imagine telling your boss, “I’ve noticed how you inspire the team with your strategic thinking. I believe you could lead our company to even greater heights,” and watching their confidence grow. Here’s a challenge: think of someone you want to encourage. What vision do they have for themselves? Can you expand it with illuminating encouragement? For instance, if a friend dreams of starting a business but hesitates, tell them, “You have the creativity and resilience to turn this idea into something amazing. I can see you building something truly impactful. ” Your words could be the spark that ignites their belief in what’s possible. Don’t just encourage – elevate! Encouragement is a powerful tool that makes people feel good, but when you pair it with elevation, the impact becomes even more significant. Elevation takes encouragement a step further by helping someone level up through connections, opportunities, or promotions, leading to tangible results. So, what exactly is elevation? It’s when you actively help someone rise by connecting them with a mentor, introducing them to a new social circle that aligns with their goals, or writing them a strong reference letter or LinkedIn testimonial. You elevate someone when you publicly acknowledge their contributions, whether in a meeting, on social media, or by leaving a glowing review for their business online. Practicing elevation alongside encouragement is a natural extension of support. While encouragement often happens in private conversations, elevation is all about going public. A private endorsement can certainly boost confidence, but making that endorsement public multiplies its impact. And here’s the best part – elevating encouragement doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it like marketing – but for people. We all understand the power of marketing in business, from billboards to promotional campaigns, where big budgets are spent to elevate a brand. What if we applied that same mindset to promoting the people around us – our friends, family, and co-workers? Elevating and promoting those who may not seek the spotlight, particularly quiet achievers, ensures that their influence and impact are recognized and appreciated. Here’s a challenge for you: Think of someone you want to encourage and find a practical way to elevate them. Maybe it’s introducing them to a key contact who can open doors for them, or endorsing their skills publicly on LinkedIn. You could even mention their contribution in a meeting or share their success on social media. By combining encouragement with elevation, you’re not just making someone feel good – you’re actively helping them reach new heights. When you think of a true leader, who comes to mind? Encourage through servant leadership Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr. are often at the top of the list. These iconic figures didn’t exemplify the aggressive, competitive attributes we often associate with modern corporate leadership. Instead, they were selfless, collaborative, and led with a spirit of service rather than personal gain. These leaders embody the principles of servant leadership – a philosophy that prioritizes the needs and growth of others above the leader's own interests. Servant leaders focus on empowering their team members, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring that everyone has the tools and support they need to succeed. They lead by example, putting the well-being and development of others first. One of the most powerful ways to encourage someone is by practicing servant leadership. There’s nothing more uplifting than having someone offer their skills and talents to serve you without expecting anything in return. To do this, make their agenda your agenda, and approach it with enthusiasm and humility. To serve well, spend time genuinely understanding the needs and goals of others. This could mean setting aside your own priorities to focus on theirs, listening intently to their concerns, or offering your time to help them achieve their objectives. For example, if a colleague is struggling with a project, volunteer to help them brainstorm solutions or provide the resources they need to succeed. Ask questions that show your commitment to supporting others. For instance, you might ask, “What challenges are you facing right now, and how can I help? ” or “What’s the most important goal you’re working toward, and what can I do to support you in reaching it? ” These questions demonstrate that you’re not just interested in their success, but that you’re willing to actively contribute to it. Here’s a challenge: start small on your servant leadership journey. Dedicate a weekend or a few hours to serving someone else’s agenda. For example, offer to help a friend prepare for an important presentation by practicing with them, or spend your Saturday volunteering for a cause that’s important to a family member. By making someone else’s priorities your own, you’ll experience the profound impact of servant leadership on both yourself and those you serve. Encourage authentically When you give encouragement, it’s crucial to be authentic – share your whole self. No matter how far along you are in your personal or professional journey, you’re not, and will never be, an expert in everything. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. In fact, sharing your mistakes can be just as encouraging as lifting others up through praise or sharing your expertise. People might be impressed by your strengths and accomplishments, but they connect with you through your weaknesses. Being vulnerable is one of the most powerful forms of encouragement because it shows others that they’re not alone in their struggles. It’s about being impactful rather than merely impressive. Imagine you’re a team leader who’s struggled with public speaking. Sharing your journey from shaky beginnings to gradual improvement can inspire a team member who’s nervous about an upcoming presentation. By saying, “I used to get so anxious before presentations that I couldn’t sleep the night before. But with practice and some breathing techniques, I’ve become more confident,” you show them that growth is possible, even when it seems daunting. As a parent, admitting to your teenager that you made some poor decisions in your youth can open a meaningful dialogue. You might say, “I didn’t always make the best choices when I was your age, and I learned some lessons the hard way. I’m here to support you so that you don’t have to go through the same mistakes. ” In a workplace setting, if you’ve missed a deadline, owning up to it and discussing how you plan to manage your time better in the future can encourage others to be more open about their own challenges. You might say, “I underestimated the time this project would take, and I missed the deadline. I’ve learned that I need to include more buffer time, and I’m happy to help you avoid the same pitfall. ” When offering encouragement, be specific and authentic in your messaging. Instead of saying, “Good job,” say, “I’m really impressed with how you handled that difficult client. Your patience and professionalism made all the difference. ” Rather than a generic “You’re great,” try, “The way you broke down that complex problem into manageable steps was brilliant. It really helped the team understand the process. ” Here’s a challenge: be authentic in how you encourage others. If you don’t know someone well enough to give true and specific encouragement, don’t rely on vague, empty praise. Take this as your signal to learn more about them on a deeper, more meaningful level. The more you understand about their experiences and challenges, the more impactful your encouragement will be. Final summary In this Blink to The Art of Encouragement by Jordan Montgomery, you’ve learned that encouragement is a universal need that connects us all, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs. It is most effective when combined with elevation – helping others grow through connections, opportunities, or public recognition. Authenticity and vulnerability in your encouragement can create deeper connections, while focusing on someone's character rather than just their performance makes your support more meaningful and lasting. Okay, that’s it for this Blink. We hope you enjoyed it. If you can, please take the time to leave us a rating – we always appreciate your feedback. See you in the next Blink.