A Cup of Leadership CaffeineIf you’ve ever had the good fortune to watch a skilled carpenter or mechanic or any proficient trade-person, one of the first things that you will notice is the care that they take in selecting the right tool for the task at hand.

As someone who practices the trades around my homes (it’s a genetic predisposition), I’ve not yet earned the designation of skilled or proficient, but I certainly have learned the power of just the right tool.  There are many choices for most tasks, but only one tool that will allow you to complete the task without potentially causing additional damage.  A vice-grip is no substitute for the proper wrench and the wrong screwdriver will practically guarantee a slip and a strip.  Sadly, every time I’ve taken a shortcut and used the wrong tool for a job, I’ve created more damage in the process.

Words are the leader’s tools in trade, and the same lessons on care in selection and use apply.

For too many leaders, word selection is a hurried and blind groping in the toolbox for something that will do the job.  In the absence of careful selection, a quick barking of orders, an unfiltered criticism or an out of context pronouncement will all create collateral damage.

As a high-school student in Shop Class (do they still teach Shop?), we spent what seemed like an inordinate amount of time learning the use and care of all of the tools, before we were allowed to start on our own projects. While a bit laborious at the time, in hindsight, I realize that this approach taught us to think about the task at hand and to carefully think about and select just the right tool to ensure quality and simplicity.

Perhaps we need the equivalent of a Shop class for leaders.

8 Ideas to Help You Choose Your Leader’s Words Like a Skilled Craftsman:

1. Choose words that clarify. One of your core tasks is to provide context.  People do their best work when they understand its import and its connection to the bigger picture.

2. Choose words that convey respect? Even in the heat of battle, your words, your tone and your demeanor must communicate respect.  The art of delivering an order with respect is the hard-earned sign of a journeyman.

3. Choose and use your words efficiently? Many leaders mistakenly assume that their roles are licenses to talk.  After awhile, all we hear is the drone of blah, blah, blah.

4, Ensure that your words help you connect with others.  Learning the art of how to relate to others enables conveys respect and enables improved coaching and mentoring.

5. Use words that teach. Learning the fine art of coaching and mentoring is like learning how to use a set of advanced woodworking tools.  Once mastered, you are able to craft and form remarkable finished works from simple blocks.

6. Use words that encourage group learning and that help you learn. The right words phrased as questions challenge individuals to think through situations and encourage everyone to learn.

7. Use words that convey accountability and fairness.  You cannot craft an effective working environment with both of these important concepts being visible to all.

8. Use words that inspire and challenge.  While the task at hand might be about moving a pile of rocks, the goal may be to build a great cathedral.

The Bottom-Line for Now:

Beginning today, start treating your words as the tools of your trade.  Think carefully about their selection and application, and choose words that build.  Anyone can hack through a day, but only the skilled leader understands his/her power to craft and create every time she opens her mouth.  Treat your words with respect and they will serve you well.