Need to Change Something? Try This? (The best advice ever!)

When my kids were young I often gave them this advice: ‘Use your words.’ I could sense they had something important to say. They were feeling something on the inside that drove the need for a change on the outside. Maybe they were hungry or frustrated or wanted a toy or attention. They felt an emotion but didn’t know how to attach it to an action. Words are the bridge. Words translate our internal feelings into external actions. They bring about change. I would simply tell my children to use their words. I see the same thing happening with teams that I coach. Someone invariably sits silently as the conversation swirls around them. I can see their blood pressure rising and their face getting hot. Something is going on inside them but they sit paralyzed. Perhaps that has been you. You disagree with your boss’s feedback, you have a great idea to share or your work is being misrepresented by the team. This is the time to speak up. Your words will be the link between what’s motivating you, your thoughts, feelings and emotions, and the outcome or change you seek. You see our words are the catalyst to change. They bridge the gap between what is and what we want. If we don’t use them, nothing changes. You can’t think or will something into action. You can’t influence your boss, motivate your team or ask for a raise by actions and good intentions alone. You must use your words. You do not have... because you do not ask. So next time, don’t sit there silently, use your words. Use them wisely and use them sparingly but use them. Think about it.