Guest Article: Using the Word by Jay Kuhns, SPHR

I don’t hear many leaders use it. Somehow it invokes the fear of a radical, self-serving third party. Or it gives the impression that the power so many have worked hard to achieve will be eroded. Whatever the reason, I think it’s a word that should be infused into the contemporary leader’s lexicon.

Words Matter

As I think about how the workforce is changing so rapidly with the use of technology, to generational views, to a completely mobile society it strikes me that expectations are changing faster than we might like. Guess what? Others expectations are not up to us. We need to stop trying to control for these things.

What we do have control of is our power. We’re the “older” ones in the workplace. We have the authority to do so many things (hire, fire, set strategy, allocate resources, etc.) If we use our power to introduce a new way of thinking…literally using new words…we can change the culture of our organizations. 

Don’t believe that one word can make a big difference? Try dropping the f-bomb in every meeting you’re in this week.

How About You

Candidly power is only useful if it is used productively. Sure, you can choose to be an ego-maniac power monger, but you’ll look like a fool and your colleagues and employees will mock you behind your back as they resign in waves.

Instead of looking foolish, try stepping out from the norm and infuse this word into your corporate culture:

Justice.

You might be surprised if you adopted ‘justice' as a core value in your company. The quality of talent you attract and retain might surprise you too.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Article source:Jay Kuhns, SPHR - Using the Word»

Check out more of Jay Kuhns' work at No Excuses HR