What It Means to Encourage Others’ Success

Being a role model is not only about your own achievements but also about how you lift people around you. Encouraging others’ success means celebrating their wins, offering support when they face challenges, and making sure your actions show that you value collective growth over individual competition. When you create an atmosphere where people feel motivated to do their best, you demonstrate leadership by example.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:
A colleague lands a new client, and instead of feeling threatened, you congratulate them, ask how they did it, and share their strategy with the team so everyone benefits. You also offer to cover for them if they need extra time to finalize the deal.

Bad Example:
You hear about a friend’s promotion and downplay it with comments like “It’s just luck” or “I could have done that too.” Rather than celebrating, you create resentment by trying to diminish their achievement.

These two examples highlight a clear difference: encouragement builds bonds and growth, while discouragement isolates and harms.

The Difference It Could Make

Encouragement can change the trajectory of someone’s journey. A kind word, a moment of recognition, or a vote of confidence can give them the energy to continue pushing forward. On the other hand, discouragement can cause people to doubt themselves, give up, or feel isolated. A role model understands that their influence has ripple effects that go beyond the immediate moment.

Why It Works

Encouraging others works because people are deeply motivated by validation and belonging. When they see that their effort is recognized and valued, they’re more likely to persist, innovate, and contribute positively. This creates a cycle where success breeds more success, not just for individuals but for the entire group.

How to Do It Daily

• Celebrate small and big wins alike.
• Offer genuine compliments and avoid comparisons.
• Share resources or knowledge to help others improve.
• Encourage people when they stumble instead of criticizing harshly.
• Model humility by acknowledging when others surpass you.

Closing Reflection

Being a role model by encouraging others’ success does not take away from your own. Instead, it multiplies it. When people see you as someone who celebrates growth and achievement in others, they naturally look up to you, respect you, and want to emulate your example. In this way, your influence extends far beyond what you achieve alone.