When some people begin to work with others on their development, they often gravitate to weaknesses rather than strengths. Maybe that's because it's so easy to see others' problems and shortcomings. But if you start by putting your energies into correcting people's weaknesses, you will demoralize them and unintentionally sabotage the enlarging process.

Decide that People Are Worth the Effort:

Goethe recommended, "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.

DO SOMETHING TODAY TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT OF AFFIRMATION.

Author and conference speaker Richard Exley explained his idea of friendship this way: "A true friend is one who hears and understands when you share your deepest feelings. He supports you when you are struggling; he corrects you, gently and with love, when you err; and he forgives you when you fail. A true friend prods you to personal growth, stretches you to your full potential. And most amazing of all, he celebrates your successes as if they were his own.

However, as a leader, if you can add results to relationships and develop a team of people who like each other and get things done, you have created a powerful combination.

He knew that if you oversee people and you wish to develop leaders, you are responsible to: (1) appreciate them for who they are; (2) believe that they will do their very best; (3) praise their accomplishments; and (4) accept your personal responsibility to them as their leader.

Are we quick to respond to others' needs? Do we run from problems or face them? Do we talk more about bad news or good news? Do we give people the benefit of the doubt, or do we assume the worst? The

The atmosphere is affirming: Industrialist Charles Schwab said, "I have yet to find the man . . . who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.

ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY AND YOU MIGHT GET TO WATCH THEM BLOOM TOMORROW.

My friend Dan Reiland says, "A genuine friend encourages and challenges us to live out our best thoughts, honor our purest motives, and achieve our most significant dreams." That's what we need to do with the important people in our lives.

All people feel better and do better when you give them attention, affirmation, and appreciation.