In many ways, leaders can encourage good behavior in others. Working with employees is likened to child rearing, but the tendency is to scold or nag. This may push people away. Here are a few tips to encourage the behavior you want to see:
Feed Forward – By finding people doing things right, look for positive behavior. Do this at least 10 times a day. You can track this by putting 10 coins/or business cards in your pocket. Each time you find someone doing something “right”, move one coin/business card to the other pocket. The shift from a negative to positive focus in your attention will energize you. This will allow you to provide meaningful feedback. As you continue to “feed forward”, it is likely you will make someone’s day
Fill Up – Change always starts with you. If you want to encourage others, start by noting the things that encourage you. Find what makes you happy and empowered. Increase these uplifting activities. Use self-awareness as an indicator of what you need to do differently. The idea is to be “in sync” with your own feelings.