We've all been hit with a time of confusion and crisis --- depending on your place in the world, your view may be different that what I am seeing ... but what I know for sure is that the financial meltdown has shown us just how connected we are. So many people lives are being impacted and it all seems hard to understand. The other day I realized that the current realities bring with it an opportunity to rethink and re-evaluate many things about how we live and work. To add to the uncertainty, the elections in the U.S. are filling our airwaves with so much political "trash talk" Anger. Meanness. Lies. Mistruths. As I've been listening to leaders on many fronts share their thoughts about this moment in time, the whole situation has prompted me to think again about the language of leadership and its undeniable influence.
At times, I don't think we realize how important our words are when they are spoken. This is especially true when you hold a position of leadership in an organization, in your community or even at home. Anytime people or members of your family look up to you for leadership, it adds a level of personal responsibility to our spoken, or even written, words. Why? Because our words --- positive or negative ---- wield such INFLUENCE.
Dr. Alex Pattakos, founder of the Center for Meaning and author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts wrote:
"From a psychological perspective, it takes some 8 or 9 positive remarks to offset a negative one. So, just think about how much motivation and inspiration we all need in order to keep moving forward!"
Particularly, during difficult and uncertain times, leaders carry the personal responsibility to lift others up, even when they may feel down, discouraged and uncertain themselves. This isn't always easy, but it is a true test of leadership. As I write this, I'm having many flashbacks in my own career as a leader when I was challenged to this place ---- and also personal experiences, when I was called to lead my family through tragedy. In both cases, those relying on my leadership needed the strength and hope of my words to carry-on ---- not just the choice of the individual words, but the tone of them, the authenticity of them and every ounce of belief I could find to put into them. Our thinking and beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies for us and for others. This is perhaps what Maya Angelou was thinking, when she said, "Say the good words."
As you move through leadership day, at work and at home, take a little time to pay attention to how you choose your words and use them as a powerful tool to inspire others to rise up to be the best they can be right where they are today!
Who needs a few good words from you today?
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
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