The Quiet Power of Encouragement

We all carry doubts. Even the most confident among us have quiet questions about whether we really have what it takes.

Recently, my daughter—who’s in her senior year of high school and working part-time locally—was feeling the weight of her own unspoken insecurities. She’s aiming to become a teacher one day, and while she works hard, the gap between where she is and where she wants to be is intimidating. This is one of the most challenging aspects of growth: it’s hard to believe we can do something until we’ve already done it. Without this evidence, confidence is hard to muster.

But then something simple and profound happened: a more experienced coworker offered her a word of encouragement.

Nothing flashy. Nothing scripted. Just a comment on the excellence and intentionality with which she does her work.

It might have seemed small at the time. But it landed.

That comment echoed louder than the inner voice of doubt. It reminded her of who she is and how capable she truly can be. It helped her reimagine her goals not as distant dreams, but as achievable steps forward. In that moment, her belief in herself got a much-needed boost.

As leaders, we should never underestimate the impact of our words.

The affirmation you give someone today may stay with them for years. It might be the thing that lifts them past self-doubt. It might unlock energy, confidence, and ownership in ways you’ll never fully see.

This month, here’s a simple challenge:

Take 60 seconds to tell someone what they’re doing well.

Be specific. Be honest. Be intentional.

Encouragement isn’t fluff. It’s fuel. It moves people.

Let’s be the kind of leaders who notice and name the good in others—because we never know the full story of what those words might shift.

If you’re interested in becoming a more encouraging and uplifting leader, or need a confidence boost yourself, send me an email at [email protected].