Wednesday, February 18th, 2015

Apples – Are Yours Golden or Poisoned?: The Power of Words

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. 

– Proverbs 25:11

Words are powerful…so powerful, in fact, that when spoken they actually carry either life or death.  The words of a leader can lift a person up or take a person down; propel a project forward or drive it to a screeching halt; provide clarity and focus or cast confusion and chaos.

Before opening your mouth to speak, check your words with these three questions.

1.  Is what you are about to say true?  Assumption and presumption are dangerous enemies of any team.  Be diligent to understand the facts about situation.  Guard yourself from carelessly speaking words that are not grounded in truth.

2.  Is what you are about to say honorable?  Gossip is destructive, and it’s motive is never honorable.  Even if based on fact, if you find yourself or others on your team talking negatively about a fellow team member, nip it in the bud immediately.

3.  Is what you are about to say intended to help?  Careless words cannot be “taken back”.  Once released, they are forever spoken.  High pressure situations offer tempting opportunities to quickly speak without thinking.  Don’t succumb to precarious moments.  Think before you speak.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  Make yours full of life!

To your tbl success,

Angela

Filed under: Angela Owen, Blog Entry, Leadership, People Success