Today we delve into the language of a leader and why a leader must weigh their words.
Leadership has its roots in communication and is not solely about position, power, or strategy. A leader’s words have the power to inspire or demoralize, to bring people together, or to drive them apart. Leaders in education, industry, politics, religious organizations, and other organizations use language to influence the future.
According to John C. Maxwell, “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” But how does a leader set an example? Using words of empowerment, confidence, and vision. However, some leaders wield words as weapons rather than instruments. Their tone directs, their language instructs, and their voices roar. A few questions for any leader. What is the use of having power if it suppresses wisdom? What is the point of being strong if it weakens people? What is the point of leading if you demand obedience but never win respect?
A leader’s words must offer a compelling vision that allows others to imagine the future before it occurs. Martin Luther King Jr. and other outstanding leaders encouraged others to believe in possibilities rather than simply describe them. As a reminder that a leader’s words must encourage imagination and action, Peter Drucker famously observed, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” However, leaders must be able to talk with conviction in addition to having a clear vision. Henry Ford once said, “You’re right whether you believe you can or you don’t.” Conviction gives statements believability.
In addition to conviction, a leader must be fluent in the language of influence, which refers to the ability to motivate, inspire, and convince people. Aristotle defined factual persuasion as a combination of logic (logos), emotion (pathos), and credibility. According to Warren Bennis, a leader who balances these aspects “translates vision into reality.” People will not follow those who do not understand them, thus empathy must accompany persuasion. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Theodore Roosevelt wisely stated. A leader’s words must resonate with people’s pains, goals, and aspirations.
Finally, leadership language must compel action.. Promises that are not kept destroy trust, and words without actions are useless. Great leaders utilize words to organize and inspire. Barack Obama’s “Yes, we can” statement was a call to action rather than just words. True leadership requires more than just giving great speeches; you must also put your words into action.
However, the oppressor uses a different language. An autocrat, the thumper in the chest, and the monarch’s remarks instill fear rather than inspiration. So I remind you again. Your words can burn or build. They can raise or crush, unite or divide, and heal or harm. Standing tall with your chest out and speaking to command rather than guide, your voice is like a hammer that destroys dissent. The people you lead refer to it as oppression, but you call it authority. And how does your voice echo? Instead of faith, it conveys dread.
Moses led with faith, not by coercion. Mandela was a leader who used forgiveness rather than force. Christ led out of love, not fear. Instead of shouting to be heard, true leaders whisper, and everyone listens. So, leader, allow me to ask you again. Will what you say create walls or bridges? Will they spread hatred or hope? Will they be regarded as a guide or a cautionary tale for future generations?
To summarize, every leader must understand the power of language. Words have the power to influence people’s lives, whether they are used to lead a congregation, motivate a team, or govern a nation. Being a leader entails more than just saying things; it also includes how you say them and whether or not your actions support them.
The best leaders do not merely command; they inspire.
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Class dismissed.