Some time ago, I had the experience of participating in a group exercise designed to help me know what people need to hear most. A total of approx. fourteen people were in the group. Seven were seated and seven were standing behind those seated. In sequential order those standing would whisper to the seated what one thing they most wanted to hear growing up, but never did. I want bore you with the entire exercise, but I was awestruck by the repetition of statements. Statements like the following:
- "I love you"
- "I’m proud of you"
- "You can do it"
- "Don’t be afraid"
- "You’re special"
The exercise left a mark…so much so, that I now use this exercise in some of my workshops.
Once again leaders should be in the business of seeing the unseen. If you’re not telling your people what they crave to hear, then you’re truly robbing them of vital encouragement.