We’ve all heard the cliché “words speak volumes.” I’d like to extend the cliché a few notches by adding “they can inflate or deflate, choose your words wisely.” There are trillions of words floating around in the limitless universe. The impact of a few words differs depending on how they are linked together and the tone by which they are presented. Words, spoken or written, can deliver powerful punches! They can make a person feel like an overblown balloon or a flat tire! Picture the kid who receives a “B” on a math test after studying every day for 2-weeks and the teacher says, “If you had studied a little harder, you could have gotten an A.” Imagine the teacher who has spent endless hours planning engaging lessons and is hearing, “the mark hasn’t been met.” Envision the supportive colleague who has listened to “whoa” and provided guidance suddenly being confronted with, “nobody likes you.” Digest receiving constructive criticism and hearing the conversation close with, “I don’t think you can do that.”
In our bustling world of “move forward”, “meet the mark”, “surpass the mark”, and “don’t be last”, it is sometimes forgotten that words can deliver “knockout punches.” If the goal is to “move forward”, “meet the mark”, “surpass the mark”, and “don’t be last”, words must be chosen meticulously. It is an arduous task to find the perfect words that convey, “I know you are committed.”; “I know that you have worked hard.”; “I value what you have done.”; and “I know that you’ve been a supportive colleague.”when there is a “BUT” that follows. When there are difficult conversations that must be communicated, before sharing, stand in the other person’s shoes. There are very few people who would proudly wear a heavy weight belt that says “Unmotivated”, “Loser”, “Unlikeable”, or “Who Cares.” Recognizing commitment and dedication softens the impact of a heavy blow and leaves the other person standing.
In the previous weeks, I’ve delivered a few upper cuts but no knockout punches. When speaking to my team, I’ve chosen my words carefully because I know that they are committed. I know that they have worked hard. I know that they want our kids to be SUCCESSFUL! I’ve contemplated numerous hours; it is time for us to move in a different direction. Knowing my awesome team, I am confident that they will embrace the challenge, and be SUCCESSFUL.
My team and I are in the Heavy Weight Championship of Education! There’s a Blue Ribbon calling OUR NAME!
