Choose Your Words Wisely!

Me and my big mouth, if you have ever said or thought these words we have something in common.  Yes, sometimes we speak before we think hence my adoption of Pastor Andy Stanley’s advice: be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Leaders should recognize that we have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak, sometimes easier said than done.  Just as important, Leaders need to recognize that when they speak, they need to be very careful to choose their words wisely and control the emotions with which they are spoken.

As leaders, we cannot react without self awareness and self regulation.  We must think long and hard about the situation and how we can lift someone up rather than tear them down.  I often have said, no one is harder on me, than me; I truly don’t need anyone else to tell me I messed up.  This is the time when I need a true leader, someone who recognizes the current situation does not define who I am or dismiss my past successes.  A good leader seeks first to understand and then finds the right words to address the situation, often addressing the need for improvement while doing so by lifting the individual up.

Good leaders choose their words wisely in all situations, they are always thinking about how they can be a blessing to others.  They remember their words reflect their hearts, and focus on speaking truth with grace and concern for others avoiding bitter, angry, and malicious words.  Good leaders work every day to choose their words wisely!  Just a little advise to go!