I lost my aunt Joyce (far right) in 2013. Today I want to share with you how she has shaped my life forever.
During her funeral anyone who wanted to speak was allowed a few minutes on the stage. What I shared that day, is what I will share with you in this article.
Aunt Joyce was my spiritual counselor. Any time I was having a crisis of faith or was faced with a big decision, I would go to her for advice. Her infectious smile gave me relief the moment I entered her presence. She would listen to what I was struggling with, and then she would give me advice that was always biblically based and always encouraging.
I never left her her presence without feeling encouraged. No mater the situation, she would find a way to encourage me. Even if she had to give me bad news, she made sure I felt a sense of purpose and the possibility of success in the months and years to come.
She always saw what I could become, and spoke that into my life. She was a master encourager.
I try to be like Aunt Joyce in everything I do. When coaching my staff, or when visiting with my patients and their caregivers. I never want someone to leave my presence without feeling encouraged and empowered. I want them to see what they can become, and I don’t want them to be overwhelmed by what they are not. This can’t be accomplished by just pointing out their mistakes or errors. This is accomplished by focusing on strengths and making those strengths the focus of the conversation. Everyone has hidden skills and abilities. EVERYONE!
A good leader (everyone is leading someone) will always try to discover the hidden skills and abilities in those around them.
How about you? How do you make sure you provide positivity and encouragement in every interaction you have with others? How do you make sure others feel more capable once you leave the room?
The power to do this is in your words. It is how you end every conversation. Do you end your conversations with encouragement and a sense of possibility? Does someone feel better or worse about themselves after interaction with you is over?
Be like Aunt Joyce. Spend your energy helping others see what they can become. The power of life and death are in the tongue. Speak life and possibility into everyone you ever meet.
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