Elder Gordon B. Hinckley supervised the work of the Church in Asia from 1960 to 1968. During that time, he met regularly with priesthood leaders in Asia. Years later, one of those leaders shared his feelings about Elder Hinckley’s visits:

"One of the things I appreciated about Elder Hinckley was that never once in my three years [as mission president] did he criticize me, despite all my weaknesses. . . . And that spurred me on. Every time he came [to visit our mission] I thought ‘I’m going to get it right between the eyes this time. I didn’t turn in this report properly or I didn’t follow this program right.’ But every time he came off the plane he would grab my hand like he was pumping water out of a well with great enthusiasm. ‘Well, President . . . , how are you getting along? . . . You’re doing great work.’ He encouraged me like that . . . and when he left I felt I should give 105 percent, not just 100 percent" (Adney Y. Komatsu, in Sheri Dew, Go Forward with Faith [1996], 288, quoting interview by R. Lanier Britsch, James Moyle Oral History Program, 1974, Church Archives).

Church leaders should extend appreciation, assistance, and encouragement to the teachers with whom they serve. The quality of teaching in the Church will improve as leaders establish a supportive, caring relationship with teachers.

Leaders’ enthusiasm for the work of the Lord can inspire teachers to be more dedicated in their callings. As teachers feel their leaders’ love for them, they may be inspired to show increased love for those they teach. As they hear their leaders bear testimony and teach from the scriptures, they will gain a greater understanding of the importance of testifying and using the scriptures in their own teaching.