In my previous post on the word "problem" and the power we assign it, I shared the importance of how we internalize its meaning rather than how we face it, which are two sides of the same coin. Words can empower and transform or just as easily disempower and defeat our ambitions, ideas, and actions. They are powerful seeds that shape and influence our views of self, relationships with the world around us, and the impact we bring to every situation. This information isn't new but is often forgotten as egos compete for attention and immediate needs for change threaten to convert creative energy to loss-focused desperation.
When facing goals or problems, are you using fight, decrease, loss, lose, defend or lessen as part of your thinking or strategy? If so, you are operating from a sense of loss and sabotaging your progress. Gain, increase, optimize, win, acquire and a host of other creation-based words will inspire and energize the thinking behind the strategy and the actions it manifests.
It's important to remember that intentions shared between two people, a group, or functions within an organization may be the same but presented from different points of view. All are valued and respected so it's important to acknowledge these intentions and convert loss-based dialogue to that of generating abundance. All too often, semantics and word choices are discounted as minor blips in communications across generations, cultures and disciplines but when acknowledged and aligned can be very powerful moments of connection. The global workplace is a fertile testing ground where awareness and understanding are increasingly fundamental to an organization's structure, culture and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
