I Believe in Believe: Why Encouraging the Heart is Crucial for Rural Community College Leaders

For Halloween, I channeled my inner Ted Lasso. The warm reactions—the laughs, the high-fives, and the genuine appreciation from staff—were more than just holiday fun; they were a chance to actively Encourage the Heart.

Long before I donned the mustache and the AFC Richmond gear, a few colleagues said I reminded them of Ted, and I was even gifted a "Believe" sign that now hangs proudly above my office door. That little blue poster is more than a novelty; it's a daily, visible commitment to the final and perhaps most vital practice of exemplary leadership.

What Does "Encourage the Heart" Really Mean?

The phrase "Encourage the Heart" comes from James Kouzes and Barry Posner's seminal work, The Leadership Challenge. It's the fifth of their Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, and it speaks to a fundamental human need: to feel valued and appreciated.

In the context of the book, Encouraging the Heart involves two core commitments:

1. Recognize Contributions: This means showing sincere appreciation for individual excellence and acknowledging the hard work and effort people put in. It's about being specific and personal in your praise, ensuring people know why their work matters.

   
   

2. Celebrate the Values and Victories: This focuses on creating a spirit of community by celebrating accomplishments, both big and small, in ways that reinforce the shared values of the organization.

   
   

It’s about making people feel like heroes—not just for the end result, but for the steps they took, the values they upheld, and the commitment they showed along the way.

The Crucial Need for Heart in Today's Climate

Our staff and students are navigating unprecedented levels of challenge and stress: the lingering effects of the pandemic, national polarization, economic uncertainty, and the unique isolation of one person departments that can sometimes accompany rural colleges.

When stress is high, motivation can plummet. The work of educating, supporting, and retaining our students and staff becomes exponentially harder. As leaders, we have a responsibility to be the buffer against the storm, and that's exactly what Encouraging the Heart does. It builds confidence and resilience, turning anxiety into trust and enthusiasm.

Your Way to "Encourage the Heart"

I chose a Ted Lasso costume, and that was great for a public, community-building moment. But I know that not every leader will or should dress up as a fictional football coach! The beauty of Encouraging the Heart is its versatility. It must be authentic to you.

Here are just a few ways the leaders I admire in our community college system Encourage the Heart:

• The Meaningful Note Writer: They send handwritten thank-you notes that specifically reference a positive action or outcome.

• The Ritual Keeper: They create office rituals or gatherings—like the quarterly pot luck—that build community.

• The Impactful Conversationalist: They have purposeful 1-on-1 conversations where they actively listen, acknowledge difficulties, and express genuine belief in a person's abilities.

• The Help Giver: They simply know when to provide a little extra help, stepping in to cover a meeting or offering resources when a staff member is overwhelmed.

• The Great Gift Giver: They use thoughtful, personalized gifts (a favorite coffee, a book, a small piece of campus memorabilia) to mark milestones or show appreciation.

  
  

Regardless of your style, the crucial part is the intentionality. This isn't about generic "good job" emails; it’s about personalizing recognition to make it genuinely meaningful. It is a fundamental and crucial part of the work we do to support our incredible staff and students and to cultivate a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and ready to believe.

What's one small, authentic way you'll "Encourage the Heart" this week? Let's make sure that belief in our people isn't just a sign above the door, but a driving force in our leadership.

P.S. I also wore this costume to coach my 8-year-old's city rec league soccer team. Many of the parents got a kick out of it. At the end of the season, my 8-year-old told me that I was just like Ted Lasso in that I didn't know much about soccer and our team lost a lot. Nothing like kids to keep us humble!