The most powerful phrase in the world...
Two weeks ago, I was a part of a group of eight guys who were preparing to send off a guy named Jerel to start a new entrepreneurial endeavor.
The night was light and fun with lots of laughing. At the end of the evening, we took some time to affirm Jerel. We sat in the living room, in a circle, and took 1 to 3 minutes each to affirm him.
I have written about affirmation HERE and think it needs to be something that leaders do consistently.
Quick note about Jerel. Jerel is 34 years old with 3 kids. He is roughly 6'1 and depending on the season you catch him in, around 250 pounds. He is a former college football player. I share this because Jerel is not some 16-year-old looking to win the approval of older men.
The last person to share with Jerel, after affirming a few things in Jerel, said "I TOTALLY BELIEVE IN YOU."
As Jerel listened and absorbed this comment, I could see his bottom lip slightly quiver and his eyes fill up with tears.
This made me tear up. "Why in the world am I starting to tear up?" I asked myself. I am not a super emotional guy, although, in my older years, I am growing more and more emotional.
This moment got me. Heck, even right now as I type this in a hotel in Phoenix Arizona, I can sense my emotions stirring up.
Why?
In one word...Power.
I don't mean power as in watching an NBA player who is 6'7 jump out of the gym, a tennis player serving over 100 miles per hour, or an NFL lineman push unbelievable weight in the weight room.
Those are impressive but don't move my heart like the power that was in that room, at that moment, that night with Jerel.
The power I am talking about is watching the human heart get moved in such a way that brings a man to tears by someone simply saying, "I believe in you!"
Do you want to help people be their best...and even overachieve?
Look someone in the eye this week and tell them you believe in them!
CLICK here to order my book The Leadership Greenhouse
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One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope help encourage and equip you.
Article 1- Rob Thomas (Phillies) and the human element
Article 2- Great tweet thread about growth and stress!
Podcast: Dave Shondell. Purdue Volleyball. Elite leader.
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