How to Blossom People

A number of years ago, I took a class at my church that was for all of the Sunday School Teachers. It was how to teach anything to anyone based around a book by Bruce Wilkinson called The 7 Laws of the Learner: How To Teach Almost Anything to Practically Anyone. He is such a fine Bible Teacher and writer! You may have read his books The Prayer of Jabez or Secrets of the Vine.

Probably my favorite Chapter was on how to blossom people. Bruce shares 5 steps in his book. I’ve consciously thought about them and have seen what a huge impact they make!

For example, I had a teenage guitar student that wasn’t practicing. I caught him doing something well, and went through the 5 steps. The following week he came back prepared to learn. It was like night and day. People need to know that you  care and that you believe in them.

Here are the 5 Steps

1. Notice when people do good things.
2. Tell them what they did.
3. Tell them how you feel about what they did. (You were proud, excited, etc.)
4. Take it out to the future. Paint a picture of what they are becoming.
5. Seal it with a hug, a touch, or even a nod. Whatever is appropriate.

The first step just involves being aware of when someone does something that is helpful or when they have a breakthrough. An example for teachers would be to notice when a student plays something well.

Step two is to tell them what they did. For example, “Your chord changes are getting much faster!”

Step three is to tell them how that makes you feel. “I’m so proud of how you are progressing.”

Step four is to give them a future vision. “I bet you’ll be a fine worship leader some day!”

Step five is to end with a hug, touch, or big smile. What ever is appropriate.

Try blossoming the people around you today!