Choose the Right Words to Inspire
Have you been hurt by the words used by your bosses in the office? Words are something that we use loosely and we don't think about it once we have said it out loud. We don't think about how it will affect the person who is at the receiving end of our words.
The power of words can cut like a knife and cause deeper wounds that are not obvious externally. I encountered this recently in the workplace when I made an accidental blunder with a potential customer's name. It happens to the best of us, you know what I mean. Well anyway, someone spotted the mistake and texted me about it. He ended the text message with a simple "no good."
It was not even bad but it made one feel like you were completely ineffective. It would have gone down much easier if the right words would have been used to address the mistakes. These just go to show how important words are, especially when it comes from someone who is in a leadership position.
Words are deemed as a double-edged sword because it holds the power to build, destroy, or "imprison" someone. It creates both favourable and unfavourable repercussions and the influence is enormous. As leaders, we have to take responsibility on how we dish out our words to our subordinates and peers. Our words must be seasoned with compassion to affirm their dignity. As leaders, when we set the right example, the people around us are bound to follow our lead.
Words that are spoken out of anger can cause harm. Some words were spoken carelessly and out of haste which misleads. At the same time, when we craft our words with respect, it can inspire the person at the receiving end. Successful leaders understand the power of words and choose to affirm their staff with words.
When you used affirming words, it makes people feel good. When a subordinate is going through a difficult time, encouraging words will go a long way. We can offer praise for their performance or character traits.
Sometimes, a subordinate may underperform due to uncertainty of the future. In this scenario, we can use words to affirm their future in the company offering them stability and a sense of peace. When we used words that recognize their strength, we create a positive relationship. We also inspire them to succeed and do more.
