The Power of Words

by Nancy Vepraskas  - January 19, 2016

It’s time to make the critical shift from leading the business by yourself to leading an organization of people. At P2Excellence, we help you navigate the uncharted territories of organizational growth with clarity and confidence.

I’ve written before about the powerful acronym W.A.I.T.  It stands for “Why am I talking?” and reminds me that it is often better to listen, to ask questions, to decide to learn rather than to so quickly add my opinions to the conversation. 

Lately, I have been asking myself to W.A.I.T. when I talk to myself or about myself.  We both know there is power in our stories.  We need to be careful.  The story I tell becomes the story I believe.  If I listen more, if I pause before drawing a conclusion, if I think about the counter arguments, I will make better choices. 

There is an evaluation tool that helps as well.  It’s called “Plus-Deltas.” At the end of a meeting we often call out the “Plus-es,” what worked, and then the “Deltas,” to identify what “would have been better ifs.” Not what was wrong, but rather what would have made it better.

I find myself working to add Pluses and especially Deltas to my personal stories.  Rather than thinking,  “That was bad,” I am practicing the words, “It would be better if… .” And in return, this gives me new ways to grow. 

As always, we’d like to hear your point of view on the topic.

Take care!

Releasing Negative Emotions
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Nancy Vepraskas

Nancy Vepraskas is a recognized expert in leadership performance, employee engagement, and culture building. Specializing in the people side of business, Nancy guides leaders in activating change, optimizing talent, and improving processes and strategies to achieve business goals. The results include happier, more motivated employees; heightened customer commitment; and improved bottom-line performance.

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