Word Power!

 

Word Power!

The spoken word is so much more powerful than we know. Words can both hurt and heal. They can destroy but also build up. What we say can educate or simply berate. Words can sting but they can also soothe. We can use our words to encourage or deflate. Our words can make someone’s day or…

The problem is that we are often too quick to spout something without thinking of its impact. As the saying goes, we speak before we think. This often results in our words coming out on the negative side of the above options. That means we can leave a trail of anger, disappointment, and hurt feelings around us.

Consider the power of your words. Choose them carefully. More to the point, consciously choose to be positive with what you say.

Freedom Is Not Free

 

Happy Memorial Day!

Freedom is not free. It may be an overused statement, but it is totally true and so appropriate to remember on Memorial Day. Don’t forget the meaning of the holiday and make sure that your kids and grandkids are aware of it as well. We live in a great country, but a lot of lives have been lost for our freedom. Just remember that while you enjoy the day and welcome the summer!

Have a blessed holiday…

Argue But Listen

 

In our increasingly polarized world, where opinions clash and echo chambers thrive, it has become more crucial than ever to embrace and encourage intellectual humility. That means constructive dialogue while maintaining an open mind. Consider this quote…

 

“Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”

 

To “argue like you’re right” is to express your beliefs and opinions with conviction and confidence. We also need to do so in a respectful manner, and it means listening and allowing another person the opportunity to express their beliefs and opinions.

Strengths as Weaknesses?

 

Strengths to an extreme can become a weakness.  It is an interesting concept, right?  Think about what we consider strong character traits, and then consider how those same traits to an excess can be negative.  This is true in leadership roles as well as our personal lives.  When using your core strengths, you risk becoming blinded by your own success.  Consider some examples…

 

• A driven and results-oriented person taken to an extreme can be a jerk who walks all over people.
• If you are laid back and easygoing, in the extreme you’re a wimp who lets people walk all over you.
• Outgoing and expressive people can become flakes who can’t get any real work done and talk too much.
• If you are detailed and precise, taken to an extreme, you become an anal-retentive perfectionist.

 

Be careful to monitor how you use your strengths.  They have clearly gotten you where you are, but to an extent they can be a risk.  Ask yourself if you unknowingly overplay a strong suit to the detriment of a bigger goal.