The powerful words all great leaders speak
Great leaders have the habit of speaking powerful words that positively impact those around them. Leadership is not only about being action driven and producing results, it’s about the type of words we speak. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The power of the tongue is life and death.” Leaders have been given the opportunity every day to speak powerful and life-giving words. Here are some of the types of words all great leaders speak:
Encouraging words
Leaders should speak encouraging words. Encouraging words provide hope and relief and show other people you value them. Whenever you see a team member having a hard day or difficulty working on a task, chose to speak a genuine word of encouragement to them. You will see them physically and emotionally raised up. It will likely make their day and encourage them to keep working hard.
Kind words
Leaders should speak kindly to other people. Kind words are peaceful, respectful, and always professional. They leave out force, authority, or rudeness in conversations. Don Miguel Ruiz said,
Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Chose to speak kind words to those around you.
Challenging words
Leaders should speak challenging words. Before we discuss this area, it’s worth noting trust and a level of influence with the person is needed before speaking challenging words to them. The person hearing you needs to know you have their best interest in mind.
Often people can’t see the potential in themselves, have a false believe about themselves, and/or fail to think they can do more to achieve greater results. Challenging words break down those limitations and false beliefs. If done with love and kindness these words can allow a person to see the potential inside themselves and provide motivation to grow and take forward action. We all should have a person in our life who speaks this way to us and also be a person who speaks challenging words.