CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” ~Robin Williams

How many times have we seen people go on record with careless words through social mediums such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc.?

I have spoken and written many times about the power of words. My mother would always say when I was younger, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it at all.”  

There isn’t ever a time when a leader is justified in using careless words.

With that said, I have seen leaders use words carefully, which breeds loyal followers and continued support.

Leaders who use words carefully…

1.    Understand the importance of relationships.

2.    Are comfortable in their own skin.

3.    Are aware of how to move teams.

You will find a great deal of success with speaking caring words regardless of what profession you are in or whom you are leading. It is great to remember these words from Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

On the contrary, I have also seen leaders use their words so carelessly. Careless use of your words will hurt not only you, but it will also hurt your followers. Why do leaders carelessly use words?

Leaders who use words carelessly…

1.    Are uncomfortable working with people.

2.    Lacks confidence.

3.    May have been hurt in the past.    

4.    Lacks compassion.

5.    Lacks education.

6.    Are disappointed with stagnancy.

Whatever you do, be careful to judge these leaders.  Many of these leaders are great leaders, but just need help in the area of communication.  You may have supervisors, bosses, or family members who use careless words.

How do you fix this problem?

Fixing this problem is all about awareness.  A leader must realize that he or she is using careless words.

Once a leader figures out they are using careless words, then they should discover why they are using careless words from the list of reasons above mentioned.  It is the why that usually helps a leader ‘right the ship.’

Leaders should know the most important thing in life is a relationship, which directly affects their vision.  So any leader looking for success of their vision will discover ways of changing their careless words to caring words to build better relationships.

How careful are you with your words? How do you feel when you hear a leaders using careless words?  Please leave a comment below, send me a tweet on Twitter, or leave a comment on Facebook. 

Bryant