A Quality of Thought: “Language Matters”.

I remember when I became a manager for the first time. And when I did: overnight, I started doing all the things lots of new managers do.

I started saying “we” a lot. I started working overly-hard to (try to!) know everything. I became somewhat obsessed with leadership models and management techniques. And I started talking about “opportunities” and “challenges”, rather than what we were previously calling them: “problems”.

My team gave me some friendly stick for all these overnight-changes, particular that last one. As in: “you’re just trying to put a positive spin on things”. And maybe there’s some truth in that – for back then, I didn’t really know any better. But I also did it – and continued to do it – because it seemed to work. It created better results. Why?

Because language matters.

And language matters because it not only reflects our internal working model; it generates it. And if I (and those around me) can work to an increasingly positive, progressive and resourceful internal model, my potential for best thinking, learning and action go way up.

To see the positive impact of language on thinking, try this: Send a one-word text message “Problem” to 5 people in your world; and a one-word text message “Opportunity” to 5 other people. Take note of the responses you get.

Language matters.

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