How do we encourage a baby when they are learning to walk? We celebrate their successes – well actually we celebrate them just trying!

A baby  really knows they are onto something good when we clap and say “’Yay” each time they take a wobbly step or two.

Our enthusiasm encourages them to try again.  We certainly wouldn’t consider saying   “don’t try that anymore – you’ll only fall and hurt yourself”.  That would make them dependent on us forever.

Unfortunately, by the time we are adults we seem to have reversed our support approach.  We are often slow to acknowledge success and quick to point out failure.  

 Celebrate the wobbles

There is plenty of research to show that positive reinforcement  fast-tracks learning.  If you become a champion of your team as they develop new skills and try new strategies, then you’ll be on a fast path to promoting their independence.   Of course, you can still be nearby to catch them if they look like falling and hurting themselves (or the business). But before you know it, they’ll be running around not just walking and you’ll be free to focus on greater things.

Catching people doing good things and bringing it to their attention will encourage them to do that great stuff again and again.



About the author

Jennie loves to " sharpen up" thinking by using analogies to provoke and inspire.