Reassurance

by P.S. Harper

“Even the most accomplished and powerful people sometimes need to be reassured.”

George W. Bush

November 19, 2025

Stella burst into Carroll's office. “She’s such a fake!”

Without surprise, Carroll asked, “You talking about Deborah again?”

“Yes!” Exclaimed Stella. “She’s always acting so insecure around me.”

“Insecure?” Carroll inquired. “I think she’s super confident.”

“Well, maybe that’s not the right word,” Stella admitted, “but she’s always fishing for a compliment from me. Always asking what I think about her ideas and if her work is good.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“She’s the head of the company!” Stella said. “She’s the most accomplished and successful person I know!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Do you ever find yourself reluctant to give a compliment to someone because you don’t believe they “need it”?

Do you come across as overly confident, but are hurt when others don’t compliment your hard work, creativity, or contributions? 

Does it bother you when it seems someone continuously needs reassurance from you?

Give it freely, often, and without restraint. Also, it’s okay to let people know you need it too.

Let’s stop being so stingy with our compliments, encouragement, and reassurance.  

Sharper Leader:

1.      Who was the last person “fishing for a compliment” from you?

  • Action Step: Recognize they probably need it more than you realize. Reassure them wherever you can.   

 

2.      What is something you recently did well and wanted reassurance that you did a good job?

  • Action Step: Let that person know you’d appreciate their feedback or encouragement.  

 

3.      What holds you back from reassuring others?

  • Action Step: This week, intentionally reassure the most confident people around you.

 

Recommended book: Decision Points by George W. Bush  

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute: Tell someone exactly how you’d like to be reassured and what you’d like reassurance about.

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Lead. Learn. Grow.