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Choose To Become An Encourager
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| Tuesday, December 23, 2008 |
"... I know that the only source of happiness in me and I will begin to share. As a perfume, I know I can not pay on other without having a few drops on myself." - Og Mandino, "The Choice"
"You can not hostility and influence at the same time." - John Knox
Children chant "sticks and stones May break my bones but words can never me wrong" is a lie.
Do you remember when you dropped your bike as a child? What happens when you hit your knee or elbow work around your house? Most people forget these incidents as soon as the physical pain reduces.
Do you remember some pseudo you hated as a child? Have your parents or teachers ever tell you something that makes you feel inferior or weak? Do you remember any negative comments you received on the job performance reviews? If you're like most people, you remember these words negative long after the time is past.
Now consider the positive words that you received. Perhaps, like me, they came from your family as a child. Perhaps they come from a favorite teacher, coach or mentor. Think for a moment on the impact these words have had on your life.
Positive or negative, the words leave a mark. The mark is not on the surface where you can see, but there is a brand.
Here is a story to illustrate my point. As a child, my parents and I lived in North Carolina. Both sets of my grandparents lived in Texas. We visited Texas twice a year. During these visits, we often divide our time between two families. I loved both very expensive, but I always wanted to spend more time with one than the other. Both sets loved me. Both treated me well. Both would almost nothing to me. But there was a big difference. A grandmother called me "precious angel baby child" and "my wonderful, precious angel." The other called me Guy. What do you think was my favorite? You can probably guess where I wanted to spend my time.
I loved my two grandmothers, but has become a greater influence on my life. Why? She constantly spoke words of encouragement for me and all the others she met on this issue. In fact, it has to this day. She always tells me how beautiful I am, how much she loves me and how it is proud of me. As an adult, I always look forward to talking with her.
When my grandfather died, I spoke at his funeral. I did the best I can pay tribute to one of the greatest men I have ever known personally. About six months later, my grandmother called again to tell me how wonderful my comments and how were intelligent and I'm wiser. I do not think I am the best person on the planet, but it sure feels good to have someone tell you that. After we talked, I felt like a million dollars and believed that I could accomplish anything.
Would you like the influence on people? Do you want to inspire people around you to work harder and accomplish more? Whether you have this power. You when you use positive words? words of encouragement and praise. As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: "Treat a man as he appears to be and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already could potentially be, and you make him what he should be. "
Following the example, words are probably the most powerful tools to use leaders. Words communicate your hopes, your dreams, your vision, your message and your heart. See how other words you see. As a leader, your words make a difference. Your words will be put up or demolish, encouraging or discouraging, inspire or deflate. The choice is yours.
I encourage you to remember this simple tip and spread a little scent of happiness around you. . . Choose to become a foster.
Copyright 2005, Guy Harris
May you use this article for electronic distribution if you want to include all contact information with direct links back to the author. Notification of use is not necessary, but I would be grateful. Please contact the author before using them in printed media.
Guy Harris is the head of the agent relationship Principle Driven Consulting. It helps entrepreneurs, business leaders and other leaders to build confidence, reduce conflict and improve team performance. For more information, http://www.principledriven.com
Guy co-author of "Behavior Bucks System TM" to help parents reduce stress and conflict. Learn more about this book at http://www.behaviorbucks.com |
posted by neptunus @ 6:42 AM
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