Pour In - Someone Needs You To Care
Jul 28, 2023
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause, look up, and pour into someone else. A few intentional words of appreciation can refill a depleted bucket, restore energy, and strengthen the trust that makes great work possible.
Your team needs to hear from you. Today.
Don’t withdraw and stay heads down, look up and out and pour into them.
Taking a few minutes to connect and encourage without asking for anything makes a big impact on your relatability to others and their feelings of psychological safety and connection.
10 Ideas… because someone on the team needs to hear from you today. They need you to pour into their depleted bucket.
So many have come along and dipped from their bucket, they are running on empty.
Don’t ask for anything. See them. Hear them.
Embrace this opportunity to nourish their potential and value their contribution.
In a great book by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton called “How full is your Bucket” they discuss how we are like buckets constantly dipping in and pouring ourselves out or others dipping in and diminishing us. But rarely do we have our buckets filled and people filling our buckets.
And we need our buckets filled! It’s hard!
“The lesson here is clear: If you want people to understand that you value their contributions and that they are important, the recognition and praise you provide must have meaning that is specific to each individual.”
― Tom Rath, How Full Is Your Bucket?
Can I tell you my very favorite thing to say to people in my life, on my team an those I seek to serve?
“I appreciate you”.
And I mean it.
I encourage you to act now and pour into someone.
Make a call, book a meeting.
Make it a personal connection.
Not an email.
Say one thing, and listen, and be present. Offer to help. That’s it.
Here are some examples to get you thinking, but make yours genuine and compassionate to the person you speak to:
"I value our relationship and appreciate the work you do. How are you doing today?"
"I wanted to check in with you and see how things are going personally and professionally. How can I support you?"
"I want you to know that your contributions are essential to our team's success. How are you feeling about your role and responsibilities?"
"I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your hard work and dedication. How are you feeling about your accomplishments?"
"I've noticed your dedication and growth. I'm interested in hearing about any challenges or opportunities you're currently facing."
"Your unique perspective and insights are highly valued. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on our recent projects and any ideas you may have for improvement."
"I believe in your potential and want to ensure you have the support you need to thrive. Is there anything you'd like to discuss in terms of your professional growth or career aspirations?"
"Your contributions are invaluable to our team's success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication."
"Your ideas and insights are highly valued here. Your perspective brings a fresh and valuable perspective to our work."
"I appreciate your adaptability and willingness to embrace change. Your flexibility makes a significant impact on our team's agility."
Remember to personalize and affirm specific strengths and accomplishments.
Genuine and specific affirmations go a long way.
Keep your chin up!
#ThePathOfALeader
#GSD
Appreciate you,
Justin
This post is part of The Path of a Leader — a collection of 36 powerful lessons on growth, leadership, and getting the right stuff done.
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