This is “Words Matter Week,” sponsored by the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors. As someone who fancies herself a writer of sorts, the very idea of the week drew me in.  As a leader, it made me think about the importance of the words we use every day in communications of all kinds with our peers and team members.

I’d like to challenge each of us to think of how words matter in our roles as supervisors and managers, mentors and coaches, motivators and leaders.

It seems somewhat fortuitous that it is also performance review time at our office. The words have been written; this week they will be spoken.  How will the feedback be delivered?  What words will be chosen to praise, to criticize, to encourage, to develop?  How carefully will leaders listen to the words that team members direct back at them as his/her performance last year is discussed and as continuing goals are set for this year?

Words really do matter. In writing and in leadership. Choose wisely.  Listen carefully.

 

Tuesday Tidbits are weekly messages I send to my leadership team. They are generally short & sweet, often focused on leadership or teamwork, always positive and, hopefully, motivational. I hope you also find some meaning in them.

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