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Mark Cole: The 30-Second Rule

By Mark Cole | April 6, 2019
Mark Cole: The 30-Second Rule

One of the first lessons that John Maxwell taught me, many years ago, was the “30-Second Rule”.

One night around a dinner table with several other colleagues, John leaned over to me and said, “Mark, if you really want to win with people, say something encouraging within the first thirty seconds of every conversation.”

I’ve never seen anyone live this out as well as John. John has practiced the 30-Second Rule for so long now that it has almost become innate—and it’s absolutely brilliant to watch! He’s so intentional and authentic with his words that everyone feels like he’s greeting them uniquely.

The idea is so powerful because it changes the focus of a new conversation.

When most people meet others, they search for ways to make themselves look good. The key to the 30-Second Rule is to reverse it. Instead of looking for ways to elevate yourself, look for ways to publically encourage others.

This habit isn’t complicated, but it does take practice and preparation. Before I step into a room with other people, I intentionally take time to think about how I can encourage them. This discipline has helped my encouragements connect in a more meaningful way.

Psychologist Henry H. Goddard conducted a fascinating study about the effects of encouragement on energy levels in children. It revealed that when children were given a word of encouragement, their energy levels immediately surged. But when the same children were criticized or discouraged, their physical energy immediately declined.

You’ve probably experienced similar effects in your interactions with others. Doesn’t it give you a burst of energy when someone encourages you? And then do you experience the opposite effect with words of discouragement?

John Maxwell says, “Those who add to us, draw us to them. Those who subtract, cause us to withdraw.”

That’s because words carry great power. Never underestimate the power of motivation—it’s often the fuel you need to accomplish what you should accomplish.

Have you ever been around a leader known for adding value to people? When that leader walks in the room, everyone lights up! That type of leader creates an environment where people are truly able to thrive. I’ve observed that this starts with developing a practice of encouraging those around you, both consistently and quickly.

So, I want to challenge you to apply the 30-Second Rule to your leadership.

Ask yourself this question: What encouraging thing can I say to each person I see today?

And then look for a chance to bring a word of encouragement within the first thirty seconds of each interaction.

It may seem too simple; but I assure you—if you apply this—it will transform every environment that you lead. And make you a leader others are happy to follow.

John Maxwell Leadership Podcast

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14 thoughts on "Mark Cole: The 30-Second Rule"

  • Mark Cole: The 30-Second Rule - Jake Scheideler says: April 6, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    […] * This article was originally published here […]

  • Mark Cole: The 30-Second Rule - Jake Scheideler says: April 6, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    […] * This article was originally published here […]

  • Richard Moore says: April 7, 2019 at 4:35 am

    Great advice John. I’ll be trying this from tomorrow morning at work with colleagues and bosses

  • Richard Moore says: April 7, 2019 at 4:35 am

    Great advice John. I’ll be trying this from tomorrow morning at work with colleagues and bosses

  • Rajni says: April 8, 2019 at 11:36 am

    Great advice..

  • Rajni says: April 8, 2019 at 11:36 am

    Great advice..

  • Jude says: April 8, 2019 at 4:16 pm

    Hello John,
    I have just started learning from you on YouTube. I wish I know about you and all your teachings 35years ago. It’s never too late. Your trachings are amazing and I have started applying them on a daily basis. I pass them on to my kids. It’s a blessings and I thank God that our paths have crossed. Stay blessed John.

  • Jude says: April 8, 2019 at 4:16 pm

    Hello John,
    I have just started learning from you on YouTube. I wish I know about you and all your teachings 35years ago. It’s never too late. Your trachings are amazing and I have started applying them on a daily basis. I pass them on to my kids. It’s a blessings and I thank God that our paths have crossed. Stay blessed John.

  • Browneye says: April 8, 2019 at 11:09 pm

    Ms. Jordan ,

    I know this is a good idea and once I get back to work, I will have a meeting do this exercise.

  • Browneye says: April 8, 2019 at 11:09 pm

    Ms. Jordan ,

    I know this is a good idea and once I get back to work, I will have a meeting do this exercise.

  • Joey Smith says: April 9, 2019 at 1:15 am

    All I know is that you are mafia! love ya buddy.. would love to connect sometime soon. 😉 Joey Smith

  • Joey Smith says: April 9, 2019 at 1:15 am

    All I know is that you are mafia! love ya buddy.. would love to connect sometime soon. 😉 Joey Smith

  • Vittorio Rendor says: April 15, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    Awesome advice!! Will have to start doing this in every conversation

    Thanks Mark and John!

    Best Regards,
    V

  • LIIDRIOSKUSED: 30 sekundi reegel - starfish.academy says: October 16, 2019 at 8:02 am

    […] Allikas […]

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