Small words, big impact

Leadership is often spoken about in terms of strategy, decision making, and accountability but one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit is also one of the simplest, encouragement.

Recently, I had the chance to watch a 50km ultra marathon. I wasn’t running, I was standing on the sidelines, cheering. What struck me wasn’t just the endurance of the runners, but how dramatically their energy changed the moment someone clapped or called out their name. You could see it, shoulders lifted, pace quickened, expression softened. In seconds, exhaustion gave way to determination. It was a reminder that the same thing happens in the workplace.

Encouragement vs Praise

Leaders often think they’re encouraging their teams when they give praise, but encouragement and praise aren’t the same.

  • Praise celebrates outcomes “You hit your target.”
  • Encouragement recognises effort and persistence “I know how hard you worked to turn that around, great resilience.”

Encouragement focuses on growth and belief. It tells people “I see what you’re trying to do, and I believe in your ability to get there.” That belief, expressed genuinely, changes everything.

Why encouragement matters

It fuels engagement – People who feel recognised for their effort, not just their results, are more invested and motivated.

It builds confidence – Encouragement helps people push through uncertainty and take ownership of challenges.

It strengthens culture – Teams that regularly exchange encouragement build trust, openness, and psychological safety the foundations of high performance.

Encouragement isn’t about being “soft;” it’s about being strategically supportive. It balances accountability with belief.

How to lead with encouragement

Notice effort early – Don’t wait until the finish line to acknowledge progress call it out as it’s happening.

Be specific – Swap “good job” for “I appreciated how you handled that client conversation, it showed real composure.”

Model it – When leaders encourage others, it sets the tone for peer-to-peer encouragement across the team.

Encourage through challenge – Even when giving tough feedback, include belief in the person’s capacity to improve.

The leadership parallel

Like an ultra-marathon, leadership is about endurance, for both leaders and their teams. Along the way, everyone hits moments of fatigue, frustration, and doubt. A timely word of encouragement doesn’t just lift morale, it can reset momentum, reframe perspective, and remind people of what they’re capable of. Because sometimes, the difference between someone giving up and someone finishing strong isn’t a grand gesture or a new strategy, it’s a leader who pauses long enough to say “You’ve got this.”

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