If you own a business, lead an organization, or supervise others, what do you refer to them as? Employees? Staff? Underlings? Subordinates?
My suggestion is to, at the very least, refer to them as “associates.” Even better: “team members.”
On Twitter, do you refer to people as “followers?” Try, “friends” or “connections.” When inviting people to foll…err, I mean, connect with you on Twitter, isn’t it a bit more respectful to say, “connect with me on Twitter” rather than “follow me on Twitter?”
If you build a Network Marketing business, do you have people in your “downline” or do you have “valued teammates” or “associates?” In my opinion, either of the last two shows much more respect than the first.
Words do matter. They matter to those you lead and to the people who hear you talk about those you lead. People can sense the type of leader you are (I-focused or other-focused) by the way you refer to those you lead.
And, you know who else it matters to? It matters to you. Because, the way you refer to those you lead tells you a lot about yourself as a leader.
Your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? And, while we’re at it…anything I might have missed?
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Great insights Bob, language does matter, language is everything. I will apply your thoughts to my daily living.
Absolutely agree! I know a man who, in front of me, told a lady that I use to “work for him.” I walked away from that encounter thinking “there in lies his problem.” (and there was a problem…he controlled every aspect of my life, Home: not allowed to have friends over. Work: not aloud to give a bonus without his permission. Family: he constantly told me how awful they were. Etc…) By saying I use to work for him, he really did say much about himself. He thought he was The Boss of me and my life. Now that I think about this, his last shouting words at me, as I told him I wouldn’t be back were,”This is all about control Amy.” And yes, I agree, as you so intuitively point out, how people define you, has more to do with them than with me.
Excellent post, Bob. You are absolutely right, words do matter. Words, in my opinion, can be directly related to action. So if and individual refers to someone, in a low regard, then mostly likely they will treat that person the same way. I like to refer to my vendors/partners as colleagues or associates. It gives us an equal playing field and team ownership in projects and ventures. Keep up the magnificent work, my friend!
Words matter to us and equally or more to others. One word can spin a direction that we did not purposely intent it to and may it difficult to fix.
I love team members, it allows us all to know in one word that we are all working towards the same goal no matter our title or position. I often remind the team that we all stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, as we move through our day as an organization. We are stronger than if we were to walk single file, someone being first and someone being last.
I also agree that our words reveal a lot about us as leaders. If I value how someone speaks to me or the label they give me then I will be aware of how I speak and label others and the impact it may have on them.
Thank you for the topic Bob…
Right, Bob, words matter very much so. The people who refer to others with disrespect often forget that they would be nowhere without their “downline, employees, subordinates…”. Besides, people feel more involved and will give more of themselves if they are recognized for truly what they are: essential actors in the success of the team.
@Amy: I’m sorry to read about that story, but as a winner that you are, you recognized your own value.
To all of you, have a wonderful day!
Another perspective on same point of view -one of my favorite clients does not have vendor/supplier relationships. He has business partners who are necessary to his success in business. This approach has his partners going out of their way to make sure orders are on time with few mistakes and issues promptly handled.
Good Selling!
Jose-Luis, thank you for your kind feedback, my friend. Very appreciated!
Amy, I’m so very sorry you had to go through that. Interesting thing is that – knowing you as I know you now (and knowing a bit more of the story that you shared with me) – he could never do that to the “current Amy.” Even more kudos to you; the fact that you have overcome something like that!
Chi Chi, thank you. Great points, as always!
Nadia, yes, people often respond to a person the way they feel that person feels about them!
Breandan, you are absolutely correct. That’s another great one; “vendors” as opposed to “partners.” Excellent. And, what a difference it makes in their level of service and assistance they provide when they know they are valued as you described. Thank you!
Nadia, Thank you very much! I recognize my part in it too…I had to go back and ask myself what was wrong with me that I allowed it to shut me down, and shut me up? It gave me the opportunity to grow in a way that now allows me to be exposed to almost any kind of treatment and still hold onto who God made me to be….ME. 🙂 In this, I learned to love me and to love the unloveable, without being struck by his truck. And I am forever grateful to that man, for teaching me how NOT to treat people.
My Bob,
I wrote the response to Nadia before I saw your response. Thank YOU for encouraging me, as you always have.
🙂 🙂
GREAT post Bob!!! In our fast-paced world it’s so easy to overlook the impact that our words have on others. Your post provides another reminder that our actions have consequences. I love advice that can be applied immediately. Thanks again my friend 🙂
Have a great day,
Frank
Frank, thank you for your very kind feedback. Very appreciated!
excellent insights Bob. we’ve a prophetic saying wish for your brother what you wish for yourself. Golden rule – Kindness begets kindness, Treat people the way you want to be treated and remember this popular quote and you’ll never go wrong in life
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
Hi Auzzie, A Salaam Aleikem, my friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!