My friend, Celine really inspired me when she shared a story via a post recently. Someone slid an anonymous note under her office door that simply said, “Thank you for believing in me.” It struck a chord with her, highlighting the impact we have on each other’s lives. What’s fascinating is that the note likely lifted Celine up as much as her own words of encouragement lifted the note writer. It’s a simple reminder that words matter.
It got me thinking about the importance of the words we choose. We often forget their power and influence.
Every word we say is carefully measured by those we serve. When misused, words become powerful weapons that can cut and destroy. But when chosen carefully, they become sources of inspiration that can lift, heal, and even transform perspectives, beliefs, and lives.
As leaders, we wield the power to evoke a vast range of emotions. It’s a responsibility we must take seriously, yet one that’s often overlooked.
As you read this incomplete list of feelings that AI helped me compile, take a moment to think about where your words may have evoked some of these emotions lately:
- Joy/Happiness: Positive words can uplift spirits, evoke smiles, and foster a sense of joy and happiness.
- Sadness: Certain words or phrases can evoke sadness, triggering tears or a heavy heart.
- Anger: Words can provoke anger, frustration, or irritation, leading to heated reactions or conflict.
- Fear/Anxiety: Certain words can induce fear or anxiety, triggering stress responses and feelings of unease.
- Confidence: Encouraging words can instill confidence and self-assurance, empowering individuals to pursue their goals.
- Doubt/Insecurity: Negative or critical words can instill doubt or insecurity, undermining self-esteem and confidence.
- Motivation: Inspirational words can motivate individuals to take action, pursue dreams, or overcome challenges.
- Comfort: Words of empathy and understanding can provide comfort and solace during difficult times.
- Empathy: Empathetic words can help individuals feel understood and supported, fostering connection and compassion.
- Inspiration: Words of inspiration can ignite creativity, spark ideas, and encourage innovation.
- Gratitude: Expressions of gratitude and appreciation through words can foster positive relationships and deepen connections.
- Influence/Persuasion: Words have the power to influence beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, shaping opinions and decisions.
- Healing: Words of kindness, encouragement, and support can contribute to emotional healing and well-being.
- Empowerment: Empowering words can inspire individuals to realize their potential, take control of their lives, and make positive changes.
- Validation: Words that acknowledge and validate feelings or experiences can provide a sense of belonging and validation.
- Hope: Words of hope can instill optimism, resilience, and a sense of possibility, even in challenging circumstances.
- Connection: Words can foster connection and intimacy, strengthening bonds and relationships between individuals.
- Reflection/Insight: Thought-provoking words can prompt introspection, leading to personal growth and self-awareness.
- Clarity: Clear and concise words can convey information effectively, facilitating understanding and communication.
- Transformation: Words have the power to transform perspectives, beliefs, and lives, sparking personal growth and change.
Think about the moments in your life, and zero in on the times, when words have changed you. Recall those people in your life who sparked transformational experiences in your journey and overall development.
I’ll share two quick personal stories, and I’d love to hear yours in the comments.
Story 1:
Back in high school, I wasn’t exactly a star athlete, but I loved being part of the team and the energy that resulted. One day, my coach praised me, not for my athletic ability, but for my dedication and ability to inspire the team to compete at our highest level.
She (coach “W”) didn’t remark on my athleticism. (Hey, I get it. I was average at best.) She remarked on my leadership and awarded me the position of captain, despite there being many better athletes worthy of the title.
Back then, I assumed that leadership and athletic accomplishment were intimately intertwined.
Today, I still think about that interaction. I still think about Coach “W” and her words of encouragement and affirmation. Those words made me see leadership in a whole new light and set me on a path to where I am today.
Story 2:
A more recent story involves the negative impact of my poorly chosen words.
When I first arrived at Goodwill of WNY as CEO, it was May 2020. We were completely shut down due to COVID-19 and had recently, as an organization, undergone some major business pivots as well as internal leadership changes.
I recognized that we were at a turning point and my job was to help carve a new path forward for our future — focusing on social innovation, technology and training, plus building a roadmap focused on self-funding our workforce development activities.
I was truly excited about the direction that we were heading, and felt confident about the vision that we created together as a management team. Yet, as I rolled it out to the larger organization, I started sensing that not everyone was on the same page.
Thoughts flooded my brain like: “Did people think the plan was bad? Do they not see a need for change?”
I soon realized that I had made a huge mistake. You see, I emphasized “change” without realizing the negative connotations that it held for so many.
The word “change” was hurtful to the hundreds of people that had served Goodwill prior to my arrival. The word was interpreted as my saying the team was doing something wrong and/or the work wasn’t good. All not true.
When I finally woke up and remembered how much words matter, I shifted “change” to “evolve” and with that shift, we left behind all of the negative emotions associated with a new leader “changing” everything.
Since then, most have forgiven my misstep. We’ve been moving forward together over the last four years to accomplish some truly incredible things in our community.
At the end of the day, the point is that words matter! Share your stories below so we can learn from each other. Soar, don’t settle!