As leaders, our behaviors are everything.
I remember a conversation from several years ago while still an employee in the corporate world. A few of us who had worked together for many years were talking about how things had changed in our particular culture; and in most of corporate life in our society. One specific part of our conversation noted how each of us no longer told jokes. At first I think there was a moment of sadness.
That’s when I found myself saying, “You know, while we may think we miss those times, a lot of our behavior – not acceptable today – was not right even then.” All agreed.
While we were influenced by a developing corporate consciousness, we were simply acknowledging our own development as leaders – our own individual maturity and awareness.
For me personally, I didn’t give up fun; I simply moved to a more conscious application of strengths – and this was fun for me. A pursuit and mastery around strengths brings with it a new language.
It’s not about what you should or shouldn’t say. It’s not about pleasing others. It’s not about being liked.
It is about being who you really are – being you in a way that does not compromise your values; a way that demonstrates a loving understanding of other individuals.
Your new language is really not new at all. It is now simply properly representing your authenticity – free of any judgment from self or others.
It is this level of language, exercised in all interactions, that builds confidence; yours and that of others. It’s about caring enough to encourage and exhort.
