Happy WoW Wednesday! ✨
This week’s wisdom comes from the brilliant Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “Instruction does much, but encouragement, everything.”
This quote really resonates with me when I think about the core of impactful leadership. As leaders, it’s easy to focus on the “what” and the “how”—the instructions, the processes, the metrics. And yes, that instruction is absolutely necessary for direction and clarity.
But Goethe’s words remind us that the real magic, the true differentiator, lies in encouragement. Encouragement is the fuel that turns competence into confidence and potential into performance. It’s the human element that instruction alone can never capture.
So, what does encouragement look like from a great leader?
➡️ Seeing potential before it’s obvious: It’s telling a team member, “I know you can handle this project. I’ve seen your skills in X and Y, and I’m excited to see you stretch yourself here.”
➡️ Celebrating the effort, not just the win: After a tough project, it’s saying, “I saw the incredible amount of work and dedication you all poured into that. Your perseverance was inspiring, and I’m proud of this team.” 🙌
➡️ Creating psychological safety to fail: When something doesn’t go as planned, it’s responding with, “What can we learn from this? Let’s break it down. Your effort to innovate here is what matters.” This turns a setback into a foundation for growth.
➡️ Personalized recognition: It’s taking a moment to send a quiet message after a meeting: “The way you handled that difficult question today was outstanding. Well done.”
Instruction provides the necessary blueprint and the boundaries, a vital framework for any endeavor. But encouragement breathes life into that structure, giving it a soul. It transforms tasks into meaningful contributions, making the “why” just as important as the “how.” It’s the critical ingredient that inspires discretionary effort—that willingness to go above and beyond, not because it’s required, but because one wants to contribute and excel. When team members are consistently encouraged, they don’t just follow orders; they innovate, take initiative, and overcome obstacles. This fosters an environment where the team genuinely feels valued for their unique contributions, seen for their individual strengths and challenges, and truly capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. It cultivates a deep sense of trust and psychological safety, creating a powerhouse of empowered individuals. 🚀
Book Recommendation: 📕
For a practical read on this theme, I highly recommend “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier. It helps you shift from ‘instructor’ to ‘encourager’ using 7 key questions to empower your team. A quick, actionable read that transforms one-on-one conversations.