Have you ever noticed that some of our favorite Christmas carols depict Santa in unintended ways? Like the famous song, “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.” Words like, he sees you when you’re sleeping” makes him sound like a voyeur, and “he knows when you’re awake” has a stalker tone. I’m quite sure you get the point. How sad, but we know that the author didn’t really have those thoughts in mind when the words were penned, or did he? Please accept my apologies if I offend anyone, but it is important to know that words are revealing, and can always produce unintended consequences unless they are well thought through before saying them. Have you ever heard the statement, ‘If you didn’t mean it, you wouldn’t have said it!” Point made!
I’ve heard people say that words are like helium balloons, once you let them out you can’t get them back, and this is true, but in reality, words are more like medicine injected through an IV; they go straight to the heart. This is why a wise leader never speaks hastily or out of emotions. Words spoken under these circumstances are like injecting cyanide poisoning killing joy, hope, faith, trust, esteem, confidence, and on the list goes.
Authentic leaders use their words wisely by choosing to think before they speak. They have learned the art of thinking how their words may be received by those who will hear or read them. They carefully rehearse and refine their word choices to ensure that each word used fits the occasion.
Words that fit well will always build people up, make them better, and benefit leadership and team relationships. Maybe we as leaders should sing, “You better watch out, you better not shout, you better be wise with the words you utilize, people take to heart what you say!”
Always remember, Words can be positive gifts or negative goads; so, choose them wisely to avoid unintended consequences.
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