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. 

Words Are Powerful

 

Wise is the man, wise is the woman, who speaks words that breathe life and build up and encourage and affirm.  Wise is the person who is forever alert to speak words of life, to a child, a spouse, a friend, a student, a neighbor, a co-worker, a stranger, a store clerk, someone who looks troubled.
 
Life-giving words!  We can change lives forever!  Words like these:

·         I love you. 

·         I respect you. 

·         I believe in you. 

·         I am so proud of you! 

·         You can do this! 

·         You are so good at painting! 

·         I love the way you shared your toys with your brother. 

·         Could I pray for you right now? 

·         You are going to get through this, for God will see you through. 

·         I have been praying for you every day. 

·         I am so sorry; will you forgive me? 

·         Thank you so much for that gift.

When words like these are spoken from the heart, they breathe life into people.

Borrowed from:

Jeff Wells

Senior Pastor

WoodsEdge Community Church

Life Is Not Calm

The world we live in is chaotic. There is a lot going on. The same is true for our lives and our businesses. We face challenges. We have hurdles. Rough patches happen. Nothing worth accomplishing is easy. Good things are likely to be difficult and messy, but that is life. Smooth sailing is a myth.

Remember…nobody's success story sounded calm while they were creating it.