In The Words Of A Leader
Words are important. We use words to communicate with our friends, to conduct business, to discipline our children. Politicians use words to convince us who they are and why they are the best candidates for the job.
The average person speaks about 16,000 words a day, which comes to about 112,000 words a week—more than five million words a year.
Words are powerful tools for leadership, but they must be used well. A leader’s words can inspire or hurt, cause laughter or tears, encourage or cut down.
How can you best use your words? Here are some checkpoints.
To make deep connections. Connecting is not about how close you get, or how long you have known each other it is about understanding. The words we speak and hear bridge the gaps between us.
To be thoughtful. Think before you speak and use your words sparingly. Leading does not mean that you are required to talk more than anyone else. Quite the opposite.
To listen more than you speak. Be a leader who has a listening ear; that’s how you learn.
To ask questions. The more you know the less you realize you know. For the best leaders, knowledge means having the right answer but intelligence means asking the right questions. Smart questions are the source of smart leadership.
To speak from the heart. We can be accurately judged by our words because they are an accurate reflection of what is happening within our hearts. True leaders don’t let their mouth speak what their heart does not feel.
To match body language. Make certain that your words and your body language are aligned. Communication is how we make connections, and studies have shown that that people believe body language over the words.
To empower and encourage. The right words can give wings to the mind and make us feel like we can fly. Take the time to empower your people. Speak with encouragement and affirm your appreciation.
For courageous conversations. Don’t be afraid of tough conversations, whether they’re about performance or character. Be brave and speak the reality. Keep your focus on behaviors and keep the behaviors linked to the values of the business.
To build trust. “Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall,” said Oliver Wendell Holmes. Hold yourself accountable for your words.
To be remembered. Choose your words carefully—they are like weapons that can either be used against you or for you. Once they are said, they can be only forgiven but not forgotten.
We should watch our thoughts because they become words, and we should watch our words because they become actions, we should watch our actions because they become habits, we should watch our habits because they become character, and we should watch our character for it becomes destiny.
Lead From Within: Choose your words carefully, because a single word can change a life forever and a true leader knows that.
Lolly Daskal is the president and Founder of Lead From Within a consulting firm specializing in executive leadership coaching and customized leadership programs. Connect with Lolly Daskal
Additional Reading:
• At The Risk Of Being Changed
• The Power Of Parting: 7 Things You Need To Stop Doing
• Lead From Where You Are And With All That You
• The Wisdom Of Whole Hearted Leading
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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