Recently, I was listening to someone give a talk, and they said this statement about words and speaking out: The mark of maturity is a controlled and consistent tongue. Repeat that one to yourself again. The mark of maturity is a controlled and consistent tongue.
So, what do we think this means for a leader?
Well first, when we break the words down, maturity means to be fully developed. Control means the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events. Consistent is acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate. And tongue, in this message, is what we say.
When we put it all together the phrase means that to be fully developed as a leader, we have the power to influence people if we speak in a consistent manner. It sounds kind of elementary, but how many of you have had a leader that words seem to just come out, but never in a consistent manner or in a positive and influential way? My guess is you all are raising your hand.
The reason for this is that most people forget that words have long lasting effect. Remember when a friend or playmate would say something mean and what would we say back? Yep, sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
Bones heal and can easily be repaired, but words do hurt and can have lasting effect! As leaders, words do have lasting effects and when used appropriately you can and will create the lasting experience you want for your people.
Leadership is not a title or a position. Leadership is influence and when you speak in a controlled and consistent tongue your team will trust you and respect you. With that in mind, there is no telling how far you can go.
Until next time...I'm Marty, make every minute count.
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