Change your world with just your words
“Words are things...”
Maya Angelou, the American poet, said that.
The way we communicate with others - our style, our choice of words, our timing…it all matters. Great leaders - in work and in life - aren't born as great communicators. They are everyday people who invest in learning how to interact in ways that bring out the best in themselves and others. They are practiced.
What are you communicating?
Every moment you have in your day where you are somehow engaging with others, is an opportunity to intentionally create an outcome you want or need with just the way you communicate. In this sense, communicate means: everything you’re saying with your physical presence. There’s…
the expression you hold
the words you choose and don't choose to use
the colors of your clothing, and the logos or sayings on your clothes
the timing and duration of your conversation or level of presence in a moment
For the most part, we can control all of these elements when we are being intentional and purposeful. For a moment, though, let’s focus on just words. As you walk through your day today, consider these 3 questions when you encounter others:
What story are you telling yourself about them? That is: Who do you really see?
What words are you using to describe them - either in your mind or to another person?
Are you considering or removing their humanity? As in: do you see a person or a character in front of you?
What do you want to see in them? Is it joy, is it laughter, is it surprise or thoughtfulness?
What words can you use instead to describe them? Can you go from an extreme word to a softer one? Like: “angry” to “curious” or “bossy” to “decisive”.
How can you use your words and expressions to elevate them to a higher state?
Your words have weight.
Be mindful of them, be respectful with them, and recognize the amazing ability you have to change the world with just your words.
♥
Andrea