B2 – Upper Intermediate
Bringing out the best in others is a multifaceted endeavor that goes beyond mere recognition of their strengths. It involves actively engaging with individuals, delving into their unique experiences, aspirations, and hurdles. This process commences with active listening, where we tune in not just to the words spoken but also to the underlying emotions and motivations. Through empathy and understanding, we can better grasp their needs and desires, fostering a deeper connection and trust.
Moreover, patience plays a pivotal role in this journey. Recognizing that growth takes time and progress may come in incremental steps, we offer unwavering support and encouragement. By setting the bar high yet anchoring it in reality, we inspire individuals to reach for their full potential while providing the requisite guidance and resources to navigate hurdles along the way.
Mentorship emerges as a cornerstone of this approach. By sharing insights, experiences, and lessons learned, mentors steer others on their path to success, imparting both practical advice and emotional bolstering. Celebrating achievements, no matter how modest reinforces progress and instills a sense of pride and accomplishment.
However, the journey to bring out the best in others transcends individual interactions. It entails fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect where everyone’s contributions are valued. Recognition for endeavors and achievements, whether through formal accolades or heartfelt words of appreciation, fosters a sense of belonging and motivates individuals to continue striving for excellence.
Continuous learning is another integral component of this process. By encouraging curiosity and providing avenues for personal and professional development, we empower individuals to expand their skills and knowledge, fueling both personal growth and organizational triumph.
Ultimately, by investing in the potential of others and nurturing a supportive community, we cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive. Through collective effort and shared goals, we not only bring out the best in individuals but also harness the power of collaboration to achieve collective success. In this way, each person’s unique talents and contributions meld to create a tapestry of excellence, enriching both the individual and the broader community.
Read the full article to know the habits of leaders who know how to bring out the best in others.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is a “multiplier”? “Multipliers take the time to understand the capabilities of each individual so that they can connect employees with the right people and the right opportunities—thereby building a virtuous cycle of attraction, growth, and opportunity.“? Use this term in a sentence.
- What does it mean to “stretch goals”? “Stretch goals that push people can have a big impact on how people feel about themselves, their work, and what they can accomplish.”? Use the phrase in a sentence.
- What does the word “roadblock” mean in the sentence, “
As team members earn small wins, their confidence grows and seemingly insurmountable problems appear less daunting, adds Wiseman; roadblocks become interesting puzzles for the team to solve.“? Look for 1-2 synonyms and use ‘roadblock’ in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- In what ways can patience be considered a pivotal element in the journey of helping others reach their full potential?
- How does the concept of collective effort and shared goals contribute to achieving success, as described in the passage?
- Can you identify any personal experiences that resonate with the themes discussed in the passage?
- Have you ever experienced someone bringing out the best in you? What did they do that made a difference?
- Can you share a time when you had to exercise patience while supporting someone’s growth or development?
2 replies on “Habits of People Who Know How to Bring Out the Best in Others ”
Vocabulary Questions:
1. What is a “multiplier”? Use this term in a sentence.
A multiplier is a person who tries to connect with his/her employee to get profit of all his/her capabilities in order to offer him/her the right career path.
2. What does it mean to “stretch goals”? Use the phrase in a sentence.
Stretch goals means to encourage ambitious targets to people.
A good leader should know how to stretch goals that challenge his/her team to go out from their comfort zone and inspire them in a way who make feel more confident with themselves.
3. What does the word “roadblock” mean in the sentence. Look for 1-2 synonyms and use ‘roadblock’ in a sentence.
Synonyms. Barrieres, hurdles.
Your attitude when you are facing a roadblock can mark the difference on your work. But sometimes it cannot be reached alone, and it is essential to feel support and guidance by your colleagues and management.
1. In what ways can patience be considered a pivotal element in the journey of helping others reach their full potential?
Patience is essential in those moments when you need to listen and support your colleagues or employees. Sometimes it is necessary to better manage some situations where you need time and confidence to improve some actions. In my opinion, patience cultivates example and perseverance in others.
2. How does the concept of collective effort and shared goals contribute to achieving success, as described in the passage?
Collective effort and shared goals pursue common objectives as a team and this approach generally enable people as individual to align their efforts and work towards a common objective, reinforcing their individual and team capabilities.
3. Can you identify any personal experiences that resonate with the themes discussed in the passage?
Yes, definitely. Last year my N+2 (one of the directors of my research center, who is the boss of my team leader), called me one day suddenly to tell me that it was time to “break my glass ceiling” and that he wanted to propose me a new challenge. He proposed me to lead a team of 16 people who were working in other research field. He needed help because the area leader of that team had to be dedicated to other topic for 6 months and they thought that I could manage this challenge. And I accepted it. It was really hard, but a very fruitful situation.
4. Have you ever experienced someone bringing out the best in you? What did they do that made a difference?
In the case commented above. Ir was my director who brought out the best in me. He trusted in me to perform this great challenge and although I felt with a big responsibility, it helped me to feel really confident and I could to reach the proposed goal.
5. Can you share a time when you had to exercise patience while supporting someone’s growth or development?
In the period I was an area leader, I had to deal with a situation where one of the people really needed to be heard. He wanted to grow, and he didn’t understand why the company was not giving him the opportunity. I tried to be comprehensive with him, putting myself in his shoes and motivating him with new challenges which met his needs for improvement. I encouraged him to work on their strengths but also on their weaknesses. When you face with these situations, you really need to be patient, honest and clear with the people and tell them what is going well and what is going no so well, always reinforcing their strengths to help them foster their personal and professional growth.
Welcome to the Phoneenglish blog. You did an excellent job writing your ideas down.
Take a look at how you can enhance this sentence a bit:
Keep doing this exercise to practice and further improve.