“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”

— Philippians 2:4 (ESV)

When it comes to leadership, Jesus is the ultimate example. Whether you’re leading a team, guiding your family, or inspiring followers, encouragement is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Jesus understood this intimately. Throughout His ministry, He saw people not just for who they were in that moment, but for who they could become. He invested in their growth, lifted them up when they fell, and called them to higher purpose. People thrive when they feel seen, supported, and valued — and as a leader, you have the opportunity to set that tone. When we follow Paul’s advice in Philippians and look beyond our own needs to invest in others, we’re following in Jesus’s footsteps, helping those around us grow and building a culture where everyone feels motivated and ready to succeed.

Jesus’s encouragement wasn’t just about giving out compliments or making people feel good for the moment. He saw people’s deepest needs, their true potential, and called them to rise to it. He did this with the woman at the well, Zacchaeus the tax collector, Peter the fisherman, and countless others. His words didn’t just lift people temporarily; they changed lives, because He spoke directly to their hearts and gave them a glimpse of who they could be with God. In leadership, encouragement isn’t about handing out empty praise or simply “being nice.” It’s about truly understanding the needs and goals of those you’re leading, just as Jesus did, and using your influence to help them grow and succeed.

When a team member achieves something, acknowledge it in a way that’s meaningful to them, just as Jesus would have taken time to see and celebrate individual victories. When a family member is struggling, remind them of their strengths and let them know they’re not facing it alone — like Jesus did for His disciples when they felt afraid or discouraged. When a follower needs guidance, provide them with clear, caring direction, rooted in truth and love, reassuring them that they’re on the right path, just as Jesus patiently guided His followers time and again.

Think about a time when someone believed in you, when their encouragement lifted you and made you feel seen. Maybe it was a friend, a mentor, or even a family member who spoke life into you and reminded you of your potential. They saw more than what was on the surface, much like Jesus does with each of us. Imagine being that source of encouragement for others, creating an environment where people know they are valued, that their contributions matter, and that they’re called to a higher purpose. By putting the needs and growth of others at the forefront, we’re fostering a spirit of teamwork and unity, where everyone is empowered to bring their best, knowing they’re supported.

Encouragement in leadership is a simple but powerful way to build trust and commitment. It’s what makes teams work together better, families grow stronger, and followers feel inspired. When you encourage those around you, you’re not just creating motivated individuals; you’re developing a purpose-driven community where each person feels supported, valued, and connected. You’re helping create a culture like the one Jesus modeled for His disciples: a family where people show up for each other, where each person’s strengths are celebrated, and where no one walks alone.

Let’s take Paul’s advice to heart and Jesus’s example as our guide: look to the interests of others. Recognize their efforts, celebrate their wins, and walk alongside them through the challenges. By leading with encouragement, we’re shaping a community that’s motivated not by obligation, but by shared passion and a deep sense of belonging. Just as Jesus poured into us, let’s pour into each other, building families, teams, and followers that thrive together.
 

Take Action

Today, commit to personally encouraging each person in your sphere of influence — whether it’s a team member, family member, or follower. Start by noticing their unique contributions and strengths. Be specific! Instead of a general “Good job,” try something like, “I admire the way you handled that situation with patience and creativity,” or “Your attention to detail made a big difference in our project.” Specific encouragement shows people that you’re truly paying attention, and it reinforces the value they bring to the table.

Think of one person who might be facing challenges or self-doubt. Take a few moments to reach out and listen. Encourage them not only by offering praise but by supporting their goals and letting them know you’re in their corner. Even if it’s just a simple message or a five-minute conversation, genuine encouragement can go a long way in helping them feel valued and motivated.

To keep the momentum going, make it a habit to recognize someone’s efforts every day. You might jot down notes in a journal to remind yourself of people’s strengths and areas where they’ve grown. Let encouragement be part of your leadership routine, creating a positive culture where everyone feels appreciated and inspired to give their best.

When you make it a habit to spread encouragement, you’ll start to see the effects ripple through your team, family, or community. Encouragement becomes contagious — and as people feel more motivated, they’re more likely to pass that positivity on to others. Lead by example and watch as a culture of encouragement builds around you.