Encouragement Matters

Posted on by Wynne Leon

My nine-year-old daughter was walking home from school the other day when she heard a classmate who was walking ahead of her yell excitedly across the street to another kid, “We got a video from Bob Ferguson!”

Bob Ferguson, the governor of the state of Washington, had responded to an invitation from the class with a video. After weeks of researching and breaking into small groups to formulate plans to solve a stormwater puddle that forms on the school playground, they’d invited the governor to come hear their proposed solution.

The governor declined the invitation but sent a really thoughtful 90-second video praising them for their hard work and reminding them that committed participation to solve problems is essential to making this state and country work.

I’m sure it was written by a staffer and all the governor had to do was read the teleprompter and record it. But however it was made, the governor and his office took the time to send a warm and personal message.

On one hand, it was a pretty expedient way to respond to an invitation. But on the other hand, it takes a commitment to encourage and acknowledge the work of others, even kids who won’t be of voting age for nearly a decade.

Given the reaction of my daughter and her classmates, I’d say it worked. Our commitment to receive and encourage others and even the small ways we do it matters.

(featured photo from Pexels)

You can find me on Instagram @wynneleon and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/

My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about collaboration, creativity and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association. My book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

40 thoughts on “Encouragement Matters”

  2. Kids remember those things and it won’t be long and they will be of voting age. (and their parents of course are). I recall our school getting a letter from the then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and we were fans forever!

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  3. I couldn’t agree more Wynne.
    Valuing the future electorate is important, (some may even become politicians) and shows them that being proactive can result in them making a difference. Well done to the governor (and staff) and thumbs up 👍🏼 to the children. Well done 👏

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  6. What a wonderful learning experience, children formulating plans and getting acknowledged for it! You’re right Wynne, encouragement does matter. It’s good that the governor took the time to create a video about the hard work and participation needed to solve problems.

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  8. this is amazing, and what a great lesson in activism and the power that a small group or people of any age can have to get things done! they will never forget this !

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  12. With this simple, thoughtful act, the students have now committed this excitement and response from the Governor to memory. It will serve them for years to come, Wynne. Encouragement matters and it has staying power.

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  14. Oh, my goodness you’ve hit a vein here Wynne. A short video or thank you note . . . oh my gosh, they go a long way. I’ve suggested similar actions by leaders over the years. I’ve even gone so far as to write up the verbiage. But often leaders feel they don’t make a difference or they’re too busy. And they end up missing out on a huge oppty. I don’t know anything about Bob Ferguson. But I bet Miss O remembers him well into the future. All because of a short video. Ha, ha.

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  18. It’s a great lesson and message to give children the tools to solve problems. I especially like that it sounds like the kids (perhaps with some guidance from the teacher) took the initiative. There are situations when children clearly need the support of their parents and other adults, but I also know there are parents who do everything for their kids. It’s much more empowering for children to take ownership of a situation when they are able.

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  20. This is so wonderful for the kids! As you said, the letter was probably received then pitched to the governor to respond from a script written by staff. Nonetheless, the young kids won’t know that and what a motivating boost for them to receive. Such a great way to positively reinforce their ingenuity and effort! 💕

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