Do we realize our choice of words in our introductions predisposes people’s perceptions of who we are - even before we begin to communicate? The words we choose can invite further conversation, or through a poor choice of words, shut communication down before it begins. The words we use also influence perceptions of who we are and where we stand in the context of our friends, family, and the workplace.
Words Have Influence
Many words we use today are polarizing. We often assume the people we communicate with have similar definitions and think like us, but unfortunately, they do not.
And because we’re human, we often select polarizing words that will cause people to form an opinion of who we are before we even can begin a dialogue.
For example, today - if you identify upfront that you are a liberal or conservative, democrat or republican, ministry or business, non-profit or for-profit, etc., what’s your first impression? Maybe to go so far as to state whether I am a follower of Jesus or am I a Christian. This latter choice on what descriptive identifying word we use becomes a matter of life and death in the Middle East.
So, everyone (with sarcasm) knows who you are, right? How has this been impacting your ability to build meaningful relationships, serve that person, or connect with them?
Our choice of words can really limit our ability to create a meaningful connection with another person.
“For by your words you be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
~ Matthew 12:37
Words Have Power
Remember the power of words; with words Jesus calmed the seas, rebuked Satan, and so forth. Our choice of words will powerfully define us as well as the platforms we represent.
Let me share a personal example, for 30+ years I was engaged with executive search, responsible for building two successful firms in Orange County to where I was personally involved with placement of over 600 professionals and indirectly with over 2500 professionals in all industries. But, if you were to ask me what I do, which of these two responses would best define (position) me to achieve the most meaningful conversation, relationship, and represent what is truly my identity without creating any predetermined bias?
Response #1:
“I’m a search professional, or a recruiter.” Think about it, everyone knows what a recruiter does, at least has a predisposition from their own experience. Conversation over.
Response #2:
“I’m in the ‘people’ business.” This reply will force a second question such as ‘what do you mean by ‘people’ business? My next response, ‘I encourage and equip influencers in the workplace to be all they were created to be.’ Reply, ‘that’s interesting.’ Next reply, ‘I have been privileged to provide such services over the years in the Music industry, executive search, and today supporting chaplain care services for front line workers.’
As you will observe, in this second response example, I am not defining myself by position title, I’m defining myself as to my basic functional role that defines me.
You can probably see from my example, the bottom-line to this approach is building a relationship (frequent exchanges) and defining my positioning to extend meaningful service.
What words will you be using? Polarizing or engaging?
Since entering the marketplace, Ron has continuously demonstrated success in the “People Business,” specializing in advisory and executive search services. He has directly and indirectly been responsible for the successful placement of over 2000 leaders in all industries to include leadership roles and organizational consulting with global/national/regional faith-based marketplace organizations. He has enjoyed the past 7+ years supporting Marketplace Chaplains as their Executive Director of Expansion, bringing care to frontline workers. He gives credit for his impact through active membership with Christian leader peer groups. Ron received his MBA from The Wharton School, his BSME from the University of Rhode Island and is an active ordained minister of reconciliation at Windows of Heaven Jesus’ Storehouse.
Ron is blessed with a wonderful wife of 43 years, daughter/son-in-law/2 grandkids, and son & daughter-in-law. In 2017, God relocated Ron & his wife to Franklin, TN after living in Southern California for more than 40 years.