The weekend before a vurry, vurry bizzy week, I watched my grandchildren play at the beach, and I realized I should conserve what little voice I had so I wouldn’t sound like a frog croaking into a microphone by Thursday. A funny challenge when you have young ones to direct!
In other words, I needed to be selective about when I spoke and why and how.
This got me thinking that we all have a choice in how we use our voice.
Not just the sounds we make, but the intentional, thoughtful way we communicate with our teams. Your voice is your choice, and how you use it can make or break the morale, the team spirit, and ultimately the productivity of those around you.
As things heat up, literally and metaphorically – especially in the U.S. – mayhaps we could all be more intentional in how we communicate. People are taking sides – and I, for one, do not want to talk politics. What’s that? Am I hearing agreement grunts and head nodding? Good, glad to know I’m not the only one.
People do tend to take sides in how they communicate, though, but so often they’re not making conscious choices. The end result can be quite different than you intended.
Here are some choices for you to consider on this topic…
Give the benefit of the doubt vs. jump to conclusions.
It’s easy to jump to conclusions when things go wrong, but what if you took a step back and considered that maybe, just maybe, your team members are doing their best? Giving people the benefit of the doubt isn’t about being naive; it’s about recognizing that everyone has their own struggles and reasons for their actions. Assume positive intent. When you approach situations with an open mind, you create a culture of trust and understanding.
Lift people up vs. drag them down.
Have you ever had a leader who always focused on what you did wrong? It’s demoralizing, isn’t it? Now, think about a leader who acknowledged your efforts and successes. Feels better, right? As leaders, we have the power to lift people up. Celebrate small wins, acknowledge hard work, and give credit where it’s due. Positive reinforcement encourages more of the good stuff and helps build a supportive and motivated team.
Respond vs. react.
In the heat of the moment, it’s tempting to react impulsively. But leadership is about responding thoughtfully. When faced with a challenge or a mistake, take a breath, assess the situation, and respond in a way that’s constructive rather than destructive. This approach not only diffuses tension but also shows your team that you’re composed and in control, even under pressure. Oh, and BTW, the lagniappe (lil something extra) that you’ll experience as a result of using this approach is that people will perceive you as a calm, confident leader.
Find what’s good vs. point out what’s wrong.
We all have that inner critic who loves to point out flaws and mistakes. Well, I can’t speak for you, but full transparency here: this is something I need to work on – BIGLY. But what if we shifted our focus to what’s working well? By highlighting strengths and successes, we create an environment where people feel valued and motivated to do their best. When we actively look for what’s good, we often find that there’s more to celebrate than we initially thought. I always talk about having an attitude of gratitude, but this is where I really need to walk my talk. (Just ask my family. Sigh.)
Build on the positive vs. dwell on the negative.
It’s easy to get bogged down by problems and setbacks, but true leadership lies in the ability to see the potential and build on it. This doesn’t mean ignoring issues; it means addressing them in a way that’s constructive and forward-thinking. It’s about creating a vision of success and working together to achieve it.
Your voice is your choice.
At the end of the day, how you use your voice is your choice. The words you use, the tone you set, and the attitude you bring to all the roles you play in life have a profound impact on those around you. By being intentional with your voice, you can create a positive, empowering, and productive environment.
So, elect to lead with intention, lift each other up, and make your workplace better, one positive interaction at a time. After all, your voice is your choice – make it count!
And if you’d like a guide on the side to help re-energize you or your team, let’s talk! Schedule your complimentary discovery call with me today.
You might also like:
What Does Your Big Fat “But” Look Like?
Lead Yourself and Your Team Out of the Land of Stuck
Through facilitated leadership team retreats, customized training programs, coaching, and keynote presentations with a hint of Cajun flavor, Jennifer Ledet, CSP, provides leaders with tools to help them be more intentional and live and lead by choice, not by chance.
