Nguyet Yen Tran
We all want to be the kind of person that others naturally look up to and trust.
The kind of person that brings out the best in others without even trying.
But what does that even mean?
How can you tell if you’re that kind of person?
Well, I’ve compiled a list of 15 indicators that you’re naturally bringing out the best in others without seeking anything in return.
These are simple yet powerful traits that can help you to become a better leader, friend, and overall human being.
Some of them might surprise you, and some of them you may already be doing, but all of them are essential to being that kind of person that others naturally look up to.
So, whether you’re a leader in a corporate setting or just trying to be a better friend or family member, this list of 15 indicators is for you.
1) Active listening
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to be heard”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Active listening is more than just hearing the words that someone is saying, it’s about truly understanding and absorbing what they are communicating.
When you actively listen to others, you show them that their thoughts and feelings are valued.
This in turn, creates a sense of trust and respect, which is essential for bringing out the best in others.
When you actively listen, you demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in what others have to say.
You give them your full attention and make an effort to understand their perspective.
This allows them to feel heard and understood, which can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and productivity.
In addition, active listening allows you to identify and address any issues or concerns that may be holding others back.
By actively listening, you can help others to see their own potential and overcome obstacles, which can lead to personal and professional growth.
2) Honest feedback
There is an ongoing debate about the best way to give feedback, but one thing is for certain: honesty is key.
When someone gives you honest feedback, it can be difficult to hear, but it is also incredibly valuable.
Honest feedback allows you to see yourself as others see you, which can help you to grow and improve.
When you naturally bring out the best in others without seeking anything in return, one of the indicators is that you give honest feedback.
Honesty shows that you truly care about the person’s growth and development, and it also shows that you trust them to handle the truth.
Giving honest feedback can be challenging, but it is an important skill for anyone who wants to be a positive influence on others.
By giving honest and constructive feedback, you can help others to see their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for themselves.
This ultimately helps them to become the best version of themselves.
3) Empathy
Life’s twists and turns can often leave us feeling lost, confused, and alone.
But one of the greatest gifts we can give to others is the ability to understand and share in their emotions.
Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes, to feel what they are feeling, and to understand their perspective.
When we show empathy, we create a safe and understanding space for others to express themselves.
We help them to feel heard and validated, and in turn, they are more likely to open up and share their true selves with us.
Empathy is a key indicator that you naturally bring out the best in others, as it allows them to feel truly seen and understood.
And it’s a gift that you can give without expecting anything in return.
4) Support and encouragement
As a young girl, I remember feeling lost and unsure of my abilities.
I was always the shy one, the one who never spoke up in class or took the lead in group projects.
But that all changed when I met Mrs. Thompson, my 7th-grade English teacher.
Mrs. Thompson saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.
She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
She supported me and encouraged me to take risks, to speak up, and to be bold.
She listened to my thoughts and ideas and helped me to see my potential.
Most importantly, she was always there to give me a word of encouragement when I was feeling down.
With her support and encouragement, I began to see myself differently.
I started to believe in myself and my abilities.
I became more confident in my speaking and writing skills.
I even took the lead on a group project and ended up getting an A.
Mrs. Thompson’s support and encouragement was the catalyst for the change that I needed.
She brought out the best in me without ever seeking anything in return.
She was my role model and I will always be grateful for her impact in my life.
Support and encouragement is a powerful tool, and it’s one of the indicators that you naturally bring out the best in others without seeking anything in return.
Just like Mrs. Thompson, you can be the one who helps others to see their potential and believe in themselves.
5) Leading by example
Imagine a leader who sets the standard for excellence in their work and behavior.
This leader doesn’t just talk about what needs to be done, but they roll up their sleeves and lead by example.
They show their team members that they are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to achieve success.
This kind of leadership is contagious and inspires others to do their best work.
Leading by example is one of the most powerful ways to bring out the best in others.
It shows that you believe in the work that you are doing, and that you are willing to put in the effort to make it happen.
By leading by example, you also demonstrate your own dedication, integrity, and commitment to success.
When others see you working hard and achieving your goals, they will be more likely to do the same.
In addition, leading by example also means being a role model for others, showing them the behaviors, attitudes and skills that are necessary for success, and also showing them how to handle challenges and setbacks.
This kind of leadership is not only respected, but it is also emulated, and it naturally brings out the best in others without seeking anything in return.
6) Giving credit
Modern life hands us lots of opportunities to take credit for the hard work and achievements of others.
But true leaders understand the importance of giving credit where credit is due.
When you give credit to others, you not only acknowledge their contributions, but you also inspire them to continue doing their best work.
This simple act of recognition can have a powerful impact on the motivation and confidence of the people around you.
When you give credit to others, you are sending a message that you trust them, value their contributions, and believe in their abilities.
This creates a sense of belonging and empowerment, which in turn inspires others to push themselves and achieve even more.
By giving credit, you are also creating a culture of excellence, where people are encouraged to work together and support each other’s success.
7) Positive attitude
As we go about our daily goals and lives, we’re all going to encounter obstacles and setbacks.
However, one of the most powerful tools we have to overcome these challenges is a positive attitude.
When we approach each situation with a mindset of optimism and hope, we’re able to inspire those around us to do the same.
Having a positive attitude means that you see the good in people and situations, even in the face of adversity.
It means that you believe in the power of hard work and determination to overcome any obstacle.
It means that you radiate positivity, and that energy is contagious.
When you bring this positivity to your interactions with others, you are naturally bringing out the best in them without seeking anything in return.
You inspire them to be their best selves, to see the good in themselves and in the world around them.
This can have a profound impact on the people you encounter, and can help to create a more positive and productive environment for everyone.
8) Inspiration
Like so much else on this list, inspiration is a subtle yet powerful tool for bringing out the best in others.
When people feel inspired, they are more likely to tap into their own creativity, take risks, and push themselves to reach new heights.
They may be more willing to take on new challenges, collaborate with others, and think outside the box.
They are also more likely to be motivated, engaged, and energized by the work they are doing.
Being an inspiration is not something that can be forced or faked.
It comes from within, and it shines through in the way you approach your work, your interactions with others, and your overall attitude and demeanor.
It’s about being a role model, and leading by example, it’s about having a clear vision and a sense of purpose, and it’s about being passionate and enthusiastic about what you do.
When people see this in you, they can’t help but be drawn to your energy and positivity.
They will be more likely to follow your lead, to believe in themselves, and to push themselves to be their best selves.
And that, in turn, will lead to a more productive, collaborative, and successful team or organization.
Inspiration is not just a quality of the leader, it’s a quality of the person, and it’s one that can make a real difference in the lives of those around you.
9) Helping others see strengths
Some individuals tend to highlight the shortcomings of others, but there are also those who concentrate on emphasizing the strengths of others.
They understand that everyone has something special to offer and that by highlighting these strengths, they can help others to see their own potential.
These individuals help others to see themselves in a positive light and to believe in their abilities.
This, in turn, can lead to increased confidence, motivation and a sense of self-worth.
It’s not just about giving compliments, but about helping others to see the things that they do well and that are valuable to others.
It’s about helping others to see the best version of themselves and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
10) Giving autonomy and independence
So let’s be real, everyone wants to feel like they have control over their own lives and that their decisions matter.
Giving autonomy and independence to those around you is a powerful way to tap into their potential and bring out their best selves.
When people are given the freedom to make their own choices, they are more likely to take ownership of their actions and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
It also allows them to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems, rather than relying solely on the guidance of others.
In addition, it helps to build trust and respect between you and the people you are leading, as it demonstrates that you have faith in their abilities and that you value their input.
In short, giving autonomy and independence is not only beneficial for the individual but also for the team or group as a whole.
It allows for more diverse thinking, more ownership and also more accountability.
11) Respecting opinions
What does it take to build a culture of respect and understanding?
It takes individuals who are willing to listen to different perspectives and opinions.
It takes individuals who are able to put aside their own biases and truly listen to what others have to say.
It takes individuals who are able to respect others’ ideas and beliefs, even if they do not align with their own.
Respecting others’ opinions is a vital indicator that you naturally bring out the best in others without seeking anything in return.
When you respect others’ opinions, you create a safe space for them to express themselves and share their ideas.
This, in turn, allows them to feel heard and valued, which can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and overall well-being.
When you respect others’ opinions, you also set the standard for how you expect to be treated in return.
This can lead to a more positive and productive environment for everyone.
12) Building confidence
Confidence is the foundation of success.
It’s the driving force that allows individuals to take risks, to push past their fears, and to reach their full potential.
When someone lacks confidence, they may hold themselves back, limiting their abilities and potential.
As a leader, or a friend, or a mentor, when you help to build the confidence of those around you, you are giving them the tools they need to succeed.
You are giving them the belief in themselves that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. And in doing so, you are helping to bring out the best in them.
It’s not always easy to build confidence in others, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
When you see the transformation in someone who has grown in confidence, it is truly a beautiful thing.
And the best part is, you didn’t do it for yourself; you did it because you care about the other person and want to see them succeed.
13) Celebrating successes
It’s not enough that we simply acknowledge the hard work and achievements of those around us.
To truly bring out the best in others, we must celebrate their successes.
This means going above and beyond a simple pat on the back or “good job”.
It means taking the time to recognize their efforts in a meaningful way, whether it be through a public acknowledgement, a small gift, or even throwing a party in their honor.
When we celebrate the successes of others, we send a powerful message that their hard work is valued and appreciated.
This, in turn, serves as motivation for them to continue pushing themselves to reach new heights.
It also creates a positive and supportive environment where others feel encouraged to strive for their own successes.
In short, celebrating the successes of others is a vital aspect of bringing out the best in those around us, and it should not be overlooked or undervalued.
14) Approachable
A lot of us have experienced the feeling of being intimidated or uncomfortable around certain individuals, whether it be a boss, a teacher, or even a friend.
These people can often be unapproachable, making it difficult for others to talk to them or to ask for help.
But, when someone is approachable, they radiate a sense of warmth and openness that makes others feel at ease.
This approachability is one of the most important indicators of someone who naturally brings out the best in others without seeking anything in return.
When people feel that they can come to you with their ideas, their concerns, and their questions, they are more likely to be open and honest with you.
They will also be more willing to take risks, to explore new possibilities, and to push themselves out of their comfort zones.
All of these things are essential for personal growth and development, and they are much more likely to happen when people feel comfortable around you.
Being approachable doesn’t mean being a pushover, or always saying yes to every request.
It simply means being open and accessible, and making it clear that you value the contributions and perspectives of others.
It’s about creating a safe and supportive environment, where people feel heard, respected, and valued.
And when people feel that way, they are much more likely to give their best effort, to collaborate effectively, and to achieve great things together.
15) Selfless actions
It’s hard to overstate the importance of selfless actions when it comes to bringing out the best in others.
When we are able to put aside our own desires and motivations, and instead focus on the needs and well-being of those around us, we create an environment of trust and respect that allows others to flourish.
Selfless actions can take many forms from offering to help a colleague with a difficult project, to going out of your way to make sure everyone feels included in a team meeting.
But no matter the specifics, the key is that these actions are driven by a genuine desire to help and support others, rather than by any expectation of reward or recognition for yourself.
When others see that you are truly invested in their success and well-being, they naturally respond with increased motivation and engagement.
They feel valued and appreciated, and are more likely to go above and beyond in their own efforts, knowing that their contributions are not only appreciated, but also essential to the success of the team or organization.
Final thoughts
Bringing out the best in others is not an easy feat, but it’s a vital one.
It’s not about seeking personal gain or recognition, it’s about creating a positive and productive environment where everyone can thrive.
Keep in mind that everyone has the potential to be great, and it’s our job as leaders, managers, or simply as human beings, to help them tap into that potential.
The 15 indicators mentioned above are only a starting point, but if you can implement even a few of them in your daily interactions, you will be well on your way to inspiring and empowering those around you.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present and making a conscious effort to bring out the best in others.
