We’ve discussed words a number of times in Winning at Work – how negative words (e.g.’yergunnahafta’, ‘problem’, etc.) can quite often trigger an unpleasant interaction, and how positive words (e.g. ‘excellent’, ‘let’s figure out how to make this work.’ etc.) can create positive, long-term outcomes. Our selection of words has broad impacts on our business and personal lives. It can be the different between conflict and comfort, connection or rejection, making a sale or losing a sale, a promotion or stagnation.

Learning to use language skillfully is more than just watching what you say, or trying to walk that often overzealous line of political correctness. When used well, words can motivate, stimulate, educate, persuade, influence and set a tone. It’s a subtle, yet powerful skill. It’s the difference, for example, between saying, “I think that was a stupid thing for you to do,” and “I’m not sure that’s the way I would have done it.” The first one is accusatory and demeaning, the second one gentle and less confrontational.

Here’s a great practice: Listen carefully to the words that people around you choose. And the next time someone says something that gets under your skin, ask yourself, “How could this person have conveyed the same message in a way that wouldn’t have bothered me.” Being aware of the language strategies other people use can significantly help you improve your own communication skills. It’s truly amazing the difference just a few well selected words can make.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search by Category

Internal Customer Service Training

Internal customer service training

IMPROVE:

  • Employee engagement, enjoyment and retention
  • Collaboration, team alignment, workflow and efficiency

REDUCE:

  • Communication errors
  • Workplace stress
  • Workplace conflict
  • Employee turnover

 

Learn more about Belding Training’s globally-acclaimed Internal Customer Service training

Winning at Work

Is Winning At Work Coming to your Mailbox?

Sign up today for free weekly (sort of…) tips, tools and advice on success, and dealing with customers, employees, coworkers, bosses and more!

No spam. Just good stuff.

Join the Winning at Work community of over 10,000 people from 60+ countries!