Encourage to Empower

My 13-year old son said something to his father last night that really make me think.

“Dad, after this loss Coach is going to be upset. He takes things pretty hard. Can you text him and tell him you’re with him. Nothing long, just something to let him know that you support him.”

Even though his 7th grade middle school basketball team had played an excellent game, they still lost by three points. My son had his best game to date. 

I was surprised that he chose not to focus on what he did in the game or on the loss. His focus was on the goals ahead; the next game, the tournaments that will follow, possible championships. 

Maybe he's wise beyond his years or maybe he's just a sensitive soul. Whatever the motive, I took a mental note to share it with others because it’s something so simple that we often forget about how much it’s needed. I'm talking about encouraging others.

Our main focus as the Teaching and Learning Commons is to empower all who teach. We can’t empower without encouragement. Often people are not naturally confident at trying new things or testing new technologies. Whether we’re working with faculty, graduate students, or each other remember that a little encouragement can go a long, long way. 

Enlighten. Encourage. Empower.

Say it three times fast. It’s not as hard as you think.