The Power Of Words
I had a teacher once, who when I asked for a reference for a university application, basically told me no because I would never make it. Ouch!!!
I was crushed because not only did I look up to this teacher I also got good grades in the classes they taught. For a long time I couldn’t understand why at such a pivotal time in my life someone I looked up to would find it necessary to kill my spirit.
I was angry for a long time, most of which I didn’t realize I was angry. But I was. And as much as I don’t understand why it had to be that way, I now realize that the teacher did me a favor. They highlighted for me what I wanted to be for others with big dreams like myself.
It made me realize the following:
Words are potent.
Many times we say things carelessly and use the excuse that we are speaking truth. These “truths” that we speak have the power to create and to destroy. We must become more accountable for the words we say. In each encounter you have with someone, I challenge you to speak words that build up and not words that tear down. Be known as the person that speaks life.
Those in positions of leaderships have a responsibility to those they lead.
Leadership is a very serious post and yet many of us take it so lightly. We allow our positions to create a bubble around us forgetting what it took for us to get there. Leaders must become accountable and have empathy towards those they lead desiring for them to become the best version of themselves possible. I believe all of us are leaders in our own right. If you have someone that looks up to you, you are a leader. Be known as a leader that inspires and supports the future leaders around you.
Mentorship is extremely valuable on the road to success.
What my teacher said to me wouldn’t have been so lethal if it was coupled with “you don’t have what it takes but I am willing to help you develop what you need to succeed.” Many times as leaders we tend to want to point out the lack but we don’t want to offer a solution or be the solution to the problem. Being a mentor is a ‘twofer’ (two for one) blessing. The mentor not only gets the chance to pour wisdom and experience into their mentee's life, they also get to partake in the success of their mentee. I challenge you, instead of being the person that points out the flaws in another, be the person that helps to build up that person and beautify their flaws.
Looking back that teacher had a point, I didn’t have what it took to succeed in that new environment, I needed help. And thank God that when we least expect it He showed up. I now a have an army of people around me that serves as mentors and a support system helping me through keeping me accountable to becoming the best version of myself.
I now find that I have a great desire to mentor others too. In life sometimes the things we expect to break us are actually breaking ground for the great things to come.
If you have ever been doubted and feel as if you can’t come from under the negativity, I want you to know that you can and you must. There are others waiting for your wisdom and experience.