Inspiration for my blog posts comes from many sources. Today’s message was prompted by this LinkedIn post from Justin Wright, creator of Brilliance Brief. It caught my eye because it focused on the power of words in creating work cultures of caring through supporting and encouraging people. I read through the list of declarative statements that managers who are “keepers” say to their staff. It made me realize how starved school nurses are for this kind of support and recognition.
School nurses are often solo practitioners, busily tending to students’ and staff’s physical and emotional needs. School days are filled with a whirlwind of activity, including emergencies. We juggle competing needs, some scheduled, and so many not. Triage and high alert are our go-to positions. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and underappreciated at times.
But now imagine the impact if we would hear these words of encouragement:
- I believe in you.
- I’m proud of you.
- I value your input.
- I learn from you too.
- I trust your judgment.
- You make a difference.
- I admire your work ethic.
- Your perspective matters.
- I trust you to take the lead.
- It’s ok to not be “always on.”
- Your personal life is a priority.
- You’ve outdone yourself again.
- We’re stronger because of you.
- What do you think we should do?
- How can I make your work easier?
- Your growth is part of our success.
- You’re more than just your job to us.
- What do you need to be successful?
- Let’s tackle these challenges together.
- How do you envision your future here?
- Be sure to take time off when you need it.
- How can we better balance your workload?
- How can I help you reach your career goals?
- Your well-being is as important as your work.
- Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
- Mistakes happen; let’s learn and move forward.
I believe in you: These simple words can be a powerful reminder that you are valued and trusted. They instill a sense of confidence, empowering you to tackle challenges head-on, knowing that you have the support of your colleagues.
I’m proud of you. Hearing these words can be a much-needed boost, especially when you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. They validate your hard work and dedication, reminding you that your efforts are making a real difference.
I value your input: As a school nurse, your unique perspective and expertise are invaluable. When your colleagues acknowledge this, it fosters a sense of collaboration and mutual respect, encouraging you to share your insights and ideas more freely.
I learn from you too: This statement recognizes you as a valuable source of knowledge and experience. It creates an environment of mutual growth and learning, where everyone benefits from each other’s unique strengths and perspectives.
I trust your judgment: Entrusting you with important decisions shows that your colleagues have faith in your abilities. This can be a game-changer, empowering you to make informed choices and take ownership of your work.
You make a difference: Hearing these words can be a powerful reminder of the impact you have on the lives of those you serve. It can reignite your passion for your work and inspire you to continue making a positive difference in the lives of your students and colleagues.
I admire your work ethic: Acknowledgment of your dedication and hard work can be incredibly motivating. It reinforces the value of your contributions and encourages you to maintain your high standards.
Your perspective matters: When your colleagues actively seek out your input and perspectives, it demonstrates that they value your unique experiences and insights. This can foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, inspiring you to continue sharing your knowledge and ideas.
I trust you to take the lead: Entrusting you with the responsibility to lead a project or initiative shows that your colleagues have confidence in your abilities. This can be a transformative experience, allowing you to grow and develop your leadership skills.
It’s ok to not be ‘always on: In a high-stress environment like a school, it’s important to acknowledge the need for self-compassion and work-life balance. Hearing this message can be a relief, reminding you that your well-being is just as important as your professional responsibilities. One of the reasons I always encourage school nurses to protect their time!
Your personal life is a priority: This statement recognizes that you are more than just your job and that your colleagues understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It can be a powerful reminder to prioritize your own needs and well-being.
You’ve outdone yourself again: Receiving recognition for your exceptional work can be a powerful motivator, inspiring you to continue striving for excellence. It reinforces the value of your contributions and encourages you to keep pushing yourself to new heights.
We’re stronger because of you: Hearing this message can be a powerful reminder of the impact you have on your team and the organization as a whole. It can foster a sense of belonging and purpose, reminding you that your work is essential to the success of your colleagues and the school community.
Dear Robin,
You’ve outdone yourself again. Your daily blogs make a difference in our work lives!
Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Jean
Dear Jean, Your message means so much to me!
I trust you/I trust your judgement is always a biggie for me. It recognizes your expertise, it acknowledges your capacity and it doesn’t require you to stop to explain something in the middle of a situation.
Thank you for commenting Judy! I always appreciate your feedback!
Hi, Robin!
This is such a fantastic post. It’s so nice to be able have a list of encouraging phrases to share with others.
The ones that stuck out to me the most were:
-Your perspective matters
-I trust your judgement
-What do you need to be successful
-Mistakes happen, let’s learn and move forward.
I hope many people read this article and start using these phrases with their co-workers.