Never underestimate the power of your words. It’s especially important when you’re speaking with someone who looks up to you.
If someone in your life makes a big mistake, you can respond with something like, “What’s the matter with you?!!!” You can brow beat them and scream and shout, or you can say something like, “John, what happened? You’re better than that.” There is a profound difference between the two. One will erode self-esteem. The other shows disappointment but with a higher regard for the individual. They will want to live up to the expectations that you set for them.
Words can change someone’s life. Has anyone ever said something to you that made a difference in your life? As a younger person, was there someone more experienced who saw more in you than you saw in yourself? I’m asking everyone reading this to be that person for someone else who is deserving and in need.
Sometimes the right words at the right moment can have a profound effect on our lives. When someone recognizes a talent within you, the right words spoken can remove self-doubt and cause a person to further develop their talent. I think there are certain universal desires and needs in all human beings. Sincere and honest appreciation can be put at the top of the list. We all want to be appreciated and recognized for our accomplishments and good deeds. I believe that it’s part of our human DNA.
We must be careful not to destroy someone’s sense of self with a careless comment. This is especially true of children and young people. Sometimes when a young person screws up, they think that they are the only one who ever made this type of mistake. Many times, it takes a kind word from someone whom they respect to let them know that they are not alone and that others have made similar mistakes.
Count your wins and losses. There are lessons in both. Share the lessons with someone who can benefit from your experience, both good and bad.
The words that you speak to a young person today could resonate with them for the rest of their life. Let your memory be one of encouragement and inspiration. Let your words guide them and make a difference in their world. Make a point of saying things that will nourish your kids or your staff.
If they’ve done something good, let them overhear your conversation with someone about the great job that they did. It will pick them up and possibly set them on a road that may change their life. Give them something to live up to. Help them to see themselves at their full potential.
“Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years.” Joseph B. Wirthlin
Yours in Rotary,
Tony Parziale