A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)
What you say and how you say it will have far-reaching implications for your professional or business advancement. Your words have the power to lift you high or set you back. Some people attribute their problem to village people but the real problem is their mouth. In fact, your mouth is your village people.
Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18:21 TPT)
Here are ten ways to make your words and thoughts work for you instead of having them work against you.
1. Deliberately speak words that encourage or inspire others.
Use language that captivates or motivates.
Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. (Colossians 4:6 MSG)
There is a preponderance of caustic words in the office environment. People are always tearing others down. So when you deliberately choose your words in such a way that you encourage others, you will stand out.
If you have subordinates, stop tearing them down with your words. They may do things that really irk you, but you can choose how to react. Don’t tear people’s ideas down. Even if an idea doesn’t make sense, don’t say so. Criticise constructively.
When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you. (Ephesians 4:29 ERV)
Every unkind statement will eventually reflect on you.
2. Sanitise your vocabulary.
There are certain words you must eliminate from your vocabulary. Such words include impossible, I can’t, there’s nothing I can do, and it is not my fault. This is especially important when dealing with an angry customer.
Don’t be negative in your speech. Have a positive mindset, and it will reflect in your speech. A negative mindset will also reflect negatively.
The words you speak will reflect on the way you approach your work and determine the eventual outcome.
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. (Ephesians 4:29 NCV)
Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. (Ephesians 4:29 AMP)
There are certain words for some occasions. You can’t go into a presentation with your board of directors and be flippant with your use of language. Don’t use your mouth to dig your career grave.
Do you realise that your words and thoughts significantly influence your outcomes in life? Find out how to make your words and thoughts work for you instead of having them work against you. Share on X3. Avoid words that diminish your credibility.
Don’t say, “I don’t know if this is a good idea” or “I know this is a silly idea but…”
“I know I’m wrong but…”
When you say such words, you have already created a perception in the minds of those listening to you as well as a mental blockade in your own mind. Such words also show a lack of confidence.
Don’t say anything that will lessen the importance of what you want to contribute.
4. When at a meeting, always think before you speak.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly]. (Psalm 141:3 AMP)
The Contemporary English Version renders the same verse as follows:
Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.
Choose your words carefully when you’re in a meeting because you’re forming impressions. When you’re in a meeting and they’re asking for contributions, don’t go first. It’s better to let others go first while you gather your thoughts in an organised way.
I recommend that you write down your thoughts first before articulating them. When you write down your thoughts, you’re able to marshal your arguments better. No one gets a prize for being the first to speak.
Sometimes, you need to refrain from speaking at all. If you don’t have anything to contribute, don’t contribute anything. Don’t repeat what others have said, or else you’re a time waster. Let people expect your words. Don’t let them get tired of you.
Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal. (Proverbs 12:18 TPT)
Don’t be reckless with your words.
5. Avoid office gossip.
Watch your words and be careful what you say, and you’ll be surprised by how few troubles you’ll have. (Proverbs 21:23 TPT)
Let’s read the same verse in the Amplified Bible:
He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards himself from troubles.
Avoid the company of those who talk about others. Whatever you can’t say in front of anyone, don’t say it behind their back. Don’t discuss people at work. Don’t say things that, when you’re quoted, you’ll not be able to defend.
Don’t badmouth others. When you do, it will eventually ruin your reputation. People will avoid you.
6. Be a person of your words
It is called being credible. Be believable. Don’t put yourself in a position where people doubt your words. Let your boss be able to depend on what you say.
In 2019, I promised that I would buy a ticket to Dubai for my best branch manager that year. I made sure I fulfilled my promise, though it was difficult.
A simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ will suffice. Anything beyond this springs from a deceiver. (Matthew 5:37 TPT)
If you make a commitment, honour it. If you’re unable to honour it, open up and apologise. Don’t make excuses. Do not say yes when you mean to say no.
7.Never brag.
Don’t sing your own praises at work. If you’re a member of a team, cultivate the habit of praising others, especially for their work.
Don’t brag about yourself—let others praise you. (Proverbs 27:2 CEV)
Let someone else honor you for your accomplishments, for self-praise is never appropriate. (Proverbs 27:2 TPT)
Learn to give credit to your superiors.
8. Sometimes, you need to keep your opinion to yourself.
It is not every time you should have an opinion about everything.
A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity]. (Proverbs 18:2 AMP)
The Contemporary English Version puts it this way:
Fools have no desire to learn; they would much rather give their own opinion.
It is not everything I write or talk about. I keep mum in some areas.
The Bible describes as senseless anyone who wants to impress others with what they know.
Senseless people find no pleasure in acquiring true wisdom, for all they want to do is impress you with what they know. (Proveebs 18:2 TPT)
9. Never take credit for what others did.
Don’t appropriate another person’s work. When you make a presentation, acknowledge your superiors and the input of others in your work. When people praise you for the quality of your presentation or contribution, deflect the praise or accolades to your team.
10. Don’t be a bootlicker.
Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD ? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. (Psalm 15:1-3 NLT)
Speak the truth from a sincere heart. Don’t deceive your boss. Don’t tell him he’s the best thing after sliced bread. Remember the story of the king who danced naked. You’ll lose your credibility when your superior finds out you’ve been bootlicking.