No matter how we look at it, words matter. They can lift us up or plummet us to the depths of despair in a single sentence. Community morale in the workplace is fragile. Words matter, and a word in season can soothe hurt feelings, lift others up, and even prevent major strife.
NO EXPERTS REQUIRED!
The good news is, you don’t have to be a communications expert, relationship expert, or even a leader in your organization to use your words for making a positive impact in your workplace. Even if you are at the bottom of the organizational ladder, you can still give others a boost by the words you speak. Remember, it takes years to build a skyscraper, but seconds to demolish one. Choose your words wisely.
“Words are containers for power. You choose what kind of power they carry.”
Joyce Meyer, author and public speaker.
A WORD IN SEASON IN PRACTICE
Start the day with a positive mindset. First thing in the morning, before the clutter of the day takes over, spend some quiet time reading something uplifting or listening to music that inspires you. Get your day off to a good start – you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes to how you think and feel.
Then, decide that you will maintain positive speech throughout the day. Even if problems arise or things go wrong, choose to see the best in the situation. And even if you can’t see something good in a situation, choose not to share negative words with those around you. It’s surprising what a difference one person can make to workplace morale by consistently maintaining a positive attitude and refusing to speak negative words. A well-chosen word in season can be all that’s needed to change a situation or boost morale.
Make It Personal
Make it a habit to personally greet colleagues and workmates. If you don’t know someone’s name, make it your business to find out. Introduce yourself and take an interest in what matters to the other person. What is the one word that is most important to each person you meet? Their name! Use it in conversation and greeting, and you’ll make them feel valued and appreciated. A cheerful “Good morning, Jim!” can work wonders for someone who’s feeling tired or unenthusiastic about being at work. Make a conscious effort to positively engage others at a personal level, and watch the boost it gives them.
Speak Kindly
If you’re a leader or manager in your organization, your words are crucial to getting the best out of your employees. As author Rumi says, “Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Speak kindly. Compliment people on a job well done. Reprove gently. Some people will literally do anything for you for just one sincere expression of appreciation for a job well done. These people wouldn’t do it for money – but they will do it for the right words.
Even if you are at the bottom of the workplace ladder, you can still follow this principle. Your colleagues and managers are human too and will appreciate a sincere compliment or a word in season.
Say Thank You
Express gratitude – regularly. Most of us have the privilege of living with a roof over our heads and our needs met. Sure, we might not be that enthused about our current job – but at least we have one. Many others don’t, and therefore, gratitude is in order. Helping those around you to focus on the blessings and benefits they enjoy dispels workplace gloom and creates a positive environment. A word in season can dispel discontentment and help others to see the good in their lives.
Create a Culture of Positive Words
Create an intentional culture of positive words in the workplace. Have some fun with it – put a jar in the lunch room and “fine” anyone caught grumbling, complaining or speaking words of doom and gloom. You might be surprised how often you have to contribute to the jar yourself! (Your colleagues won’t let you get away with it!). At the end of the month, use the “fines” for a treat.
THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS
Words can be weapons of mass destruction in careless hands. Fortunately, they are equally powerful for good – and the best thing is, we can choose to use them that way!