The Encourager

Most of the high level coaches in the Olympic and big team sports are high in the encourager gift. Most of the "power of positive thinking" gurus on TV exude characteristics of this gift as well. It is my highest gift. A perceiver friend of mind used to kid me "here comes Stu with his pompoms".

These people are like little sailboats in a harbor. They dart about with great ease compared to the lumbering ocean liners, but operate in a series of short-range excursions rather than long-range trips. They over stimulate very easily, and I find they often go to great lengths to control their emotional highs and lows.

I didn't notice how obnoxious their tendency to interrupt and talk incessantly was until I met a few who did both more than I. The experience certainly does make one somewhat humbled.

Comments I Have Heard Encouragers Make - Arranged By Theme

Over the years, I have used this model informally in my work, particularly with students, I have made note of the comments they have made about their own life experiences. These are summarized by theme on the following pages:

The Basic Issue

Off-line Resources

On-Line Resources