Monthly Archives: October 2010

Talk in Pictures

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Did you know that the mind retains pictures, not words? It’s true.

Did you realize that words can actually get in the way of what we are trying to communicate…even well thought out words? I’m serious. I’ll prove it.

Read the words below very carefully:

DO NOT THINK ABOUT A PINK ELEPHANT

Ok. So tell me what is the image in your mind right now? It’s a pink elephant!

See what I mean?! We need to learn how to use words that are in line with the images we want others to hold on to in the brains. This kind of communication could actually save kids lives. Here’s what I mean…read these words carefully:

DON’T RUN OUT INTO THE STREET

Now, what is the image in the mind of the child? Running out into the street. Instead we should say:

WHEN YOU GET TO THE SIDEWALK STOP

Now the image in the mind is stopping on the sidewalk. Cool huh?

As parents, managers, teachers, and friends we need to learn to speak words that create accurate pictures in the minds of others of what we want them to see…we need to talk in pictures.

Extend a Helping Hand

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This is part 12 of a 12 part series that I call the 12 X’s of Leadership.

It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers.  I actually think that they both live inside each of us all the time, and depending on the situation or circumstance, one of them takes over.

But it doesn’t have to be that way…falling prey to the stronger of the two, I mean.  We can decide which one wins. And if you will allow me to make a suggestion – choose to be a giver not a taker.

I have learned a valuable truth in my time here on this planet…a secret, you might say, that I want to share with you:

GIVERS ARE GETTERS

I know…it’s kind of short. But there it is, and I believe it with all my heart.

As a general rule, those who are givers, almost always seem to be the ones who seemed “filled up”, happy, content.

As a boy, I can remember hearing the saying,  “It is better to give than to receive.”  Do you remember the first time you heard it? Boy, I do. If you are like me, your next thought was probably, “Who is the loser who came up with that lame idea…give me some loot!”

Ok. So I was 6 and not quite mature enough to understand that saying, but the older I have gotten the truer it has become.

Here’s a practical idea for you to put my secret to the test: the next time you get down about the circumstances in your life, GIVE. Give of your time or your talent, or your treasure, but give. Find someone who is worse off than you and extend a helping hand.

An amazing transformation will take pace in your heart and mind: your problems suddenly shrink when you give to others.  You do not want to “trade” your pile of issues for theirs. In giving, you get…a better perspective, a better attitude, a better outlook.