It’s Not What You Say - It’s How You Say

People hate to be told what to do. People rather love to be invited.

We live in a world full of verbal bullies, and I think it’s high time that verbal bullies should be put in their place and liberty be given a greater opportunity to thrive.

These bullies are always ‘telling’. They are always barking orders, and they have never stopped to think about ‘asking’ or ‘inviting’.

It is really pinned around one important thing, and that is the need to develop the ability of showing respect to another human being with our words.

I tell my dog to sit. But when it comes to dealing with fellow human beings, I invite them to sit. I soften the way I speak to them by saying, ‘Would it be alright…’ or ‘How would you feel about….’ Softly, softly as you go.

When people are ‘told’ they may obey, but you will never win friends that way. Because even though they have been told to sit down and they follow your directives, they will be standing up on the inside and talking about you behind your back. And when they see you coming they will be ducking for cover, running away from you in every direction other than yours.

So if you have suddenly been made aware of your bullyish tactics, can I please invite you to stop telling your kids what to do. Stop telling your associates what to do. Stop telling your volunteers what to do. Stop telling your staff what to do. And start inviting people to enjoy the process and the results gained by following your polite and respectful directives.

It will change your life and save the lives of the multitudes from endless heartache as you touch their lives in the future.

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One Response - Share Your Thoughts

  • This post caused me to think of two friends in two separate situations where bullying business partners have exploited them emotionally and financially, yet taught them valuable lessons. In one case, a business partner siphoned money from his company to pay off his credit cards, a new home and other personal expenses without knowledge of his partner. Once the honest partner discovered illicit dealings, he was disappointed the law seemed to protect the activities of his dishonest partner. The honest partner rose above it to share his wisdom as mentor to help a longtime friend.

    In the other case, a different business partner took control of company financial matters and exploited his co-director to distract him from fiscal realities. When illicit dealings were later discovered, the honest partner realized that repeatedly requesting accurate fiscal details through lawyers and accountants was ineffective. Instead, he took matters through simpler channels. He discovered a legitimate way to remove the bully from his director position which meant he had to give up fiscal and other control before being subjected to a formal police investigation.

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