A Boost, Not A Shove!
“He who wishes to exert a useful influence must be careful to insult nothing. Let him not be troubled by what seems absurd, but consecrate his energies to the creation of what is good. He must not demolish, but build.” - Goethe
When it comes to influencing others, there are two kinds of people in the world - those who build people up, and those who tear people down. It’s likely that you have both types in your life, as friends, family, co- workers or superiors.
What type of “influencer” do you prefer?
Unless you’re a masochist or a martyr, you likely prefer to interact with someone who builds you up, rather than tears you down. It’s a powerful experience when someone genuinely inspires you and lifts you up. Even if you get “constructive criticism”, as long as it’s truly constructive, you respond more favorably to the positive aspect of that criticism, than you do a negative and sarcastic approach.
What type of influencer are you?
I know from experience that I create stronger connections and better relationships with people when I build them up. I also feel much better about myself, and in the process I have less stress, and more energy. You can build people up in a number of ways that include acknowledgements, encouragements, compliments and something quite passive and yet more impactful - listening to them.
Do you want to be a builder of people?
If you want to build people up, give them a boost, not a shove! They will react to you in a positive way that will raise your self-esteem and give you more inner peace, making you the one who ultimately benefits from being a builder of people!
