A Person of Influence Nurtures Other People.
The second tenet in Maxwell’s book is nurturing. The following is an outline from his book that we used in our small group and some questions that were asked. I’ve included some of my answers. Think back in your life and answer the questions for yourself. You may discover like I have, the traits that make up a real person of influence.
A Nurturing Influencer Is A Giver
- Love: Think back to some key people who have had an impact on your life
When I think of someone who had a great impact on my life, I naturally think of my parents, my teachers, and my friends and family. One person that comes to mind is my second grade teacher, Mrs. Reyer. She saw something in me at an early age. Instead of the shy kid that I was, she saw a politician and a public speaker. She told me after one of my presentations to the class that I would become a public speaker someday. Little did she know that that shy kid would discover Toastmasters and discover his voice. Her words of encouragement made all of the difference 30 years later. - Respect: Share an example of a person who showed you respect.
When I was little, my dad had a friend from work named Gordon who used to come by the house. He always brought a gift for me and called me “Master John”. I always felt ten feet tall when he came by. Even though I was just a kid, he treated me with respect. I’ll never forget his powerful, commanding voice calling out my name. I was somebody when he was around! - Sense of Security: Share examples of people who made you feel secure.
In third grade they marched us out to the playground in the middle of the day. My teacher Mrs. McNamara gave us the news. President Kennedy had been shot and was dead. My whole world as a kid was suddenly turned upside down. Our whole class just cried and screamed and stood there in unbelief. Mrs. McNamara took that incredibly negative and scary situation and turned it into a life changing event. She gave us all a sense of security, that the country would go on, that the person who did it would be caught and prosecuted. Her soft calming words that afternoon still resonate today. - Recognition: Give an example of a situation where someone gave you recognition.
Toastmasters is a great place to get feedback and recognition for a job well done. I really like the sandwich approach they use in evaluating speeches. With the example of the sandwich, the bun is the positive. First, you point out the person’s strengths, using examples of how they were manifested in the speech (top bun). Then, you point out one weakness that detracted from the speech, and how it detracted (the meat). Finally, you show the user how they can use one or more of their strengths to overwhelm or overcome the weakness (bottom bun). This approach is a very helpful way to give recognition and have a place to grow at the same time. - Encouragement: People who have encouraged you.
Some of the most encouraging people are the visionaries. The people who can see into the future and tell us where we will be in weeks, months or years. My dad has been a great encouragement in my life. He always has a positive attitude and he always believes it can be done. My wife is also an encouragement. Although we look at things very differently she has always encouraged me to “go for it” when it comes to goals and dreams. She is also a realist which helps me reel back in those crazy dreams that are too far fetched. Without encouragement the journey to success is a long arduous path.
If you follow these priciples the people you nurture will receive…
o Positive Self Worth
o Sense Of Belonging
o Perspective
o Feeling Of Significance
o Hope
Think this week how others have influenced your life and how you can change things to better nurture others..
