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The Power of Words
At the end of World War II the Allies Powers sent a message to the Japanese demanding surrender. The Japanese responded with the word "mokusatsu", which translates as either "to ignore" or "to withhold comment". The Japanese meant that they wished to withhold comment, to discuss and then decide. The Allies translated "mokusatsu" as the Japanese deciding to ignore the demand for surrender. The Allies therefore ended the war by dropping the bomb and transforming the world we live in forever. This is a historically powerful example of the power of words, when misunderstood. Everyday, in our small businesses we experience this same phenomenon when dealing with the power of words. Emotional appeals, fallacies, manipulations, disinformation, misdirection and appreciation all have an effect on our lives & our businesses --
both good & bad! My observations have led me to the conclusion that generally, when people get their own way with others, they do it
using the power of words. These can be simple emotional appeals, or misleading fallacies, they can be disinformation or misdirection's. Among the grouping of powerful words that are used, words of appreciation are the positive ones and produce positive results. Unfortunately,
most words are not used in such up building ways. Persons may want others to agree with their point of view, or do what they ask and buy what they are selling. From the car salesman's hard sell, the hammering of TV commercials, or the relative's request for a loan; to the doctor's diagnosis, or the child's pleading to stay up late, the assault of words is continuous in everyone's life! There is enormous power in the meaning of words and what they mean to the person who hears them. Words truly have the power to manipulate other people's thinking and behavior. Fallacies are the most damaging combination of words used in arguing a position because they are true to an extent, but are usually myths or "urban legends". Their danger lies in the fact that decisions based on them are not based on truth, logic, legality, or right and wrong but on emotions favoring those who put forth the more powerful arguments. They are designed to benefit someone else!
As emotions are constantly changing, opinions and decisions based on them also change. When unknowingly making choices based on emotional appeals and logical tricks, one allows others to control their thinking, and their behavior, setting themselves up to be used for someone else's interests.
Recognizing these arguments for what they are usually makes them ineffective and powerless. Knowing them to be false and self-serving, one can separate their emotional responses from the subject at hand, knowing they are not the same thing.
On the other hand we all too often neglect an
overwhelmingly powerful tool that can have very positive effects on those who
experience it. The tool is "Appreciation"! Everyone needs to be valued and it is a tremendous (kindness) to express appreciation to others. Unfortunately, most people find it easier to criticize and complain than to express gratitude or admiration.
A person who utilizes their power of speech to enhance the lives of others will not use this power for destructive purposes.
Write short notes of appreciation to as many people as possible as often as you can. Think about the people you take for granted, your employees, your customers and your peers.
Very often people fail to express their appreciation to others because they assume that those people realize they are appreciated. But in reality this is not usually the case. Often, if you do not express your positive feelings towards someone and their behavior, they will not be aware of your true feelings. It is tragic how frequently appreciation is not acknowledged even though it exists.
Always assume that you need to tell someone of your appreciation for him or her. Nothing is too insignificant for you to express your appreciation about, and the other person will always be grateful for your thoughtfulness in expressing how you feel about them.
