Thankful Thursday - Encouragement

Like the planted seeds, I want to grow.

Balance criticism with praise.

I've known for a long time that when errors are brought to one's attention, those who are criticizing need to take a moment to balance the criticism with praise. If not soon the person upon who the criticism is being heaped fails to hear any more. They are too busy thinking up a defense or wallowing in their sense of worthlessness and defeat. Does anyone ever mess up a job so bad that nothing worthwhile can be said? Pointing out accomplishments and  suggestions  would enable them to perform the other required tasks without dwelling on the negative words.

Criticism that is not constructive is detrimental! 

As I said in an earlier post, my youngest son thought his first name was either Don't or Stop because he heard these two words used continually by his teachers in conjunction with his name, until I took him from public school and enrolled him into a private school. The major difference between public school and  his new school was the ability to encourage. Sometimes a student or workers inability to learn does not lie completely with them. If I plant a handful of seeds in dry ground and the sun does not shine and no rain falls are the seeds duds? My son began to thrive and I had the awesome opportunity to attend college classes with him.

I received encouragement today.

My personnel office evaluated me today for my annual performance review. I have felt discouraged, having just changed departments and learning a new program.  This program is a little more complicated than any I have previously dealt with. At times I had actually thought of speaking to them about other possible job openings feeling that I was some how failing to meet expectations. I want to do my best. I want to earn my pay.   I want to serve our customers. After our interview I came away encouraged. I feel that it is possible for me to become skilled in my new department.  Because of the ability of my personnel officer to encourage and enlighten me on areas I both do well on and need help with I have walked away with  more confidence. She even offered helpful tips to help me deal with my weaker points.

Maybe you aren't like me and never need encouragement, but if you are like me, I have a couple quotes from Thinkexist.com .

"We live by encouragement and die without it - slowly, sadly, angrily."

 Celeste Holm

"Nine tenths of education is encouragement."

Anatole France

Take care & God bless.