Core value · Care family
Support
Being there when it counts
Also covers Encouragement
What does support mean as a core value?
Support as a core value means being reliably in someone’s corner at the moments that matter, offering practical help, encouragement or simply your presence when they face something hard.
Support comes down to turning up. When a friend’s business wobbles, when someone on your team takes on a stretch role, when your partner is facing a big exam, you’re the person in their corner. Sometimes that’s practical help. Sometimes it’s encouragement, sitting with them, or telling them they can do this and meaning it. If support is a core value, being dependable at the moments that matter is part of who you are, and you remember who was there for you.
What does support look like in practice?
- You clear your diary when someone close to you gets bad news.
- You tell people specifically what they did well, especially when they’re doubting themselves.
- You back a team member publicly when their decision is questioned.
- You ask what would help before assuming you know.
- You keep showing up after the first wave of help has faded.
When is support overplayed?
Support overdone turns into rescuing. You step in before people have had a chance to find their feet, offer encouragement when honest challenge would help more, or become the person everyone leans on until you’ve no strength left. Constant cheerleading can also stop meaning much. At its best, this value is there when it counts and steps back when it doesn’t. One small step is to ask someone you support regularly which part they’d like to handle on their own next time.
Often confused with
Support vs Care
Care is the ongoing looking after of someone’s wellbeing. Support is about being there at key moments, especially when someone is facing something hard.
Support vs Loyalty
Loyalty is sticking with a person or group over time. Support is the active help and encouragement you give when they need it.
Support vs Friendship
Friendship is a relationship. Support is something you give inside many relationships, including with colleagues and people you barely know.
Questions to sit with
- Who in your life right now needs support they haven’t asked for?
- When did your encouragement stand in for an honest conversation?
- Who supports you, and how would they know if you needed them?
More values in Care
Looking out for others, especially those in need.
About the author
Matt Rutherford is a Career and Leadership Coach. The Values Finder is the same exercise he uses with his coaching clients. He also writes Stuff that MattRs, a weekly newsletter with practical ideas to help you think clearer and work better.
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