I was just thinking.
Wouldn’t it be nice if words were like Chinese paper yoyo’s or birthday party blowers? They could extend and retract by the simple flick of the wrist or switch of breath in and out. Instead, once words are out, they are out! They forever escape our control the second they leave the recesses of our brain and exit our mouth. Once we give them away, they are open for others to do whatever they want with them.
I remember being a little girl and demanding my sister “Take that back!” Or, I would hurriedly say “I take it back! I take it back!!!,” when I knew I had crossed a dangerous line. I guess that is a child’s futile attempt at modeling words after paper party supplies. By adulthood, we know this hopeful strategy doesn’t work, even when we genuinely try to reverse the direction of our words.
So, knowing that verbal retraction of foolish, unplanned syllables that escape our mouth is not possible, why are we so careless with what we say?
We live in a cyber-world where blurting out anything seems acceptable. With more words “out there” than ever, why do our words say less, yet somehow hurt more?
The truth is, words will forever be filled with great significance and consequence. Words express information, intent, views, thoughts…feelings! Words often translate into actions. Words can unite or divide. Words hold power! Real power.
As a leader, no matter if the relationship is parent-to-child, manager-to-employee, friend-to-friend, or stranger-to-stranger, treasure the value of words. Treating the “how” and “what” you say with great care is part of leadership integrity.
Words can’t be pulled back with a swift breath in or snapping of your wrist. Blowers and Chinese yoyo’s are only for parties; words are far more serious.