How do these sentences make you feel?
You have to meet this performance standard.
You need to finish all of your work before you leave.
You must complete these calls.
You should work harder.
How do these sentences make you feel?
Based on what I’ve seen you do before, I think you can meet this performance standard.
Is anything standing in the way of finishing all of today’s work? How can I help?
We have to get these calls made today. Can I count on you?
You’ve made great progress organizing your work. Stay focused and I believe we’ll see improved results.
The two sets of statements are saying the same thing, aren’t they? Yet, they are so different in tone and attitude. Which ones suck the energy right out of you? Which ones would encourage you to put forth maximum effort?
The words we choose and the manner in which we say them have a big impact on our team members.
One irony of leadership is that when our words mean the most, it’s easiest to neglect choosing them carefully. Try to be extra aware of the words you choose and how you put them together in sentences today. Is there a different way to get your point across and get the results you want?
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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.
