Often we do not realize the impact we have on someone else when we are speaking to them. Many times we say things in haste spewing out the first thing that comes to mind, without thinking about the other person. The phrase “open mouth insert foot” comes from this very thing of speaking without thinking first. But what we say to others absolutely has the power to build them up or tear them down.
Think back to when you were a child. Words helped form your belief system and either empowered you to believe you could fly like superman, or cut to the core causing you to question your ability to do anything significant. Parents, teachers and community leaders shaped you through education, spiritual dialogue and instruction whether you realized it or not. You believed things about yourself based on what others said to you.
Peers also highly influenced the way you see yourself. Body image and self-worth often come from things that friends, siblings or coworkers say about us. Even our career choices are often defined by someone pointing out what we are good at based on our gifts and talents. Elementary school teachers often inspire students to dream big and “be whatever you want to be”.
So if words truly have this much power, why aren’t we more careful to think before we speak? Why don’t we take time to choose our words wisely before opening our mouths? I’m not sure we are really convinced that our words have this kind of “power” in anyone else’s life.
Even within our business community we have the power to encourage and invest in others we work with. Be generous with compliments to inspire those you do business with. Encourage them by valuing their contributions to the team or staff. Notice what talents they bring to the table and acknowledge them out loud. By encouraging others we work with, we create an environment of growth and security. We enable them to do their very best and contribute positively to projects and the overall goals of the business.
In the same manner, negative words carry power. Complaints, gossip, slander and other negativity breeds an environment of competition and insecurity. It causes associates to isolate and protect themselves in order to not get hurt. Negative words bring harm and detriment to the growth of a business. It causes people to be guarded and not trust others on their team. It breeds jealousy and competition and creates an environment that is not enjoyable to work in.
So think of those you work with every day and look for ways to empower them with your words. Find positive things about them that encourage you to work harder or be a better person. Speak blessings over others. Compliment their work, attire or way of interacting with customers. We ALL have strengths that contribute to the whole. Who knows? Maybe your words are the very thing that someone needs to provoke them to apply for a promotion or launch a dormant dream they’ve been afraid to explore. Find ways to inspire others with your words. We all have the power to encourage others, if we will just take the time to pay attention and notice the gifts and talents that are all around us.
For further information on Jennasis & Associates and how we can help you today, click on our website at www.jennasisassociates.com or email us at digitalmarketing@jennasisassociates.com.
Pam Lozano is part of the Jennasis and Associates team as a blogger, creative writer and editor. She is also the Founder/Executive Director of Pure Design Ministries & Magazine. Pure Design Ministries exists to inspire next generation women to live authentically. Pure Design Magazine is a magazine for teens by teens to inspire girls in areas of purity, modesty, self image and self worth. Check out her websites at: puredesignministries.com or www.puredesignteenmag.com for more information.
