When you hear a leader make similar points in meetings with different audiences, you know you’re hearing what they really think. You’re gaining insight into their character, too.
Words matter. Pay attention to what others say and to what you say.
“What You Say To Others Creates A Ripple Effect In The World
Successful people speak words of inclusion rather than words of separation, words of acceptance rather than words of rejection, and words of tolerance rather than words of prejudice.
“Everything you say produces an effect in the world. Everything you say to someone else produces an effect in that person. Know that you are constantly creating something – either positive or negative – with your words.
“Always ask yourself…what I’m about to say… Will it uplift the hearer? Will it inspire, motivate, and create forward momentum? Will it dissolve fear and create safety and trust? Will it build self-esteem, self-confidence, and a willingness to risk and take action?
“What You Say About Others Matters Even More
If we look back through history, all the world’s highest and most respected beings and spiritual teachers have warned us against gossip and judgment of others. It’s because they knew how damaging untruth really is. Wars have been started over words. People have been killed because of words. Deals have been lost because of words. Marriages have been destroyed because of words.
”When you participate, “gossip and judgment affect you, too, because you end up releasing a poison into the river of energy that is set up to bring you that which you truly want.”
I think it’s safe to say many of us have participated in gossip and judgment, and maybe regretted it afterwards. Now, moving forward, keep in mind what you say is directly tied to how you are viewed. It affects you internally, too.
Don’t be a leader who puts people down, talks negatively behind their back. Be thoughtful in considering other perspectives before jumping to conclusions or writing someone off.
We are living in a time where some people believe things we don’t agree with and view situations from a totally different perspective. This has occurred throughout history.
Don’t fall into the quagmire of feeding on gossip and judgment. Don’t seek to know the latest. Rise above it. Seek the best in others. Figure out ways to work with them. You never know what they are truly absorbing from you. Maybe down the road they will look back and say that your handling of a situation caused a turning point in their thinking.
We all can do better when we keep in mind that words matter.
The quoted content in this message is from Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer’s book, The Success Principles / How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, published in 2005. As I re-read parts of it, I was amazed at how timely the content is for today.
