There is one word that—even in our sophisticated 21st century world—we are still afraid to say at work….
One word we are afraid of. One word that every single person in the world wants to hear and be told, and yet we cannot bring ourselves to use it at work. This word, this emotion, is the one thing that humans crave most—both to give and to receive.
What are we afraid of? Are we still carrying around an archaic model of an ideal leader—the warrior, the hero, the chief, the invincible “take-no-prisoners, knows-all-the-answers, makes-no-mistakes, win-at-all-costs, Rambo-leader?
Are we are afraid that people will think of us as “soft”, indecisive, and weak because we demonstrate our vulnerability, humility and compassion? Are we so emotionally fragile and insecure that we lack the courage to actually express our emotions to each other—to be human?
It’s just a four-letter word, but those four letters have more power than a million others.
If we think that a rational, logical, “engineering” approach will work best, and that we “have always done it that way”, we should remember that,
The mind will only do what the heart tells it to.
Do you have the courage to use this four-letter word at work today? To inspire others with your beautiful heart as well as your brilliant mind? It is a word that most people struggle to utter—and try to avoid—in the workplace. But you have the power to change that, and therefore, to change everything.
Are you up for the challenge?
Lance, as always such a timely blog. I’ve been coaching about this all week. We have to be courageous leaders and be able to speak our hearts and minds instead of being afraid. Thank you for a great blog and your inspiration as always.
Thanks for your kind comments Nancy. Did you notice I did not use the word I am describing once in the blog?
It was the most freeing thing when a mentor once told me that I could love my clients. Instantly I felt authentic and whole, instead of separated as in ‘business’ vs ‘personal’. It is so wonderful that your new book helps leaders find ways for their own expression of the four letter word. You are showing leaders the way!
And so good that you show your courage every day Grace and let people see your loving nature – that is what great leadership is all about!
Really well done Lance. And so wise to only imply the word
Patrick, thank you for your comment – an oblique way to get the point across – right?
I love you, Lance, for all you bring to the world. You are an incredible human. Your message and spirit to change the world for the better is so inspiring in a world that seems so ‘connected’ electronically, but disconnected from deep and meaningful relationships. I tell my staff regularly that they are loved. I appreciate this blog’s affirmation…. and I appreciate you.
Brian, you model this concept so well, and the work you do is an act of love for all whom you heal and inspire.
It is a blessing to offer it, unvarnished and without condition, to others. It blesses them to be seen, and yet loved. To begin to believe that perhaps it isn’t perfection which is rewarded, but rather being who they are. Seeing people emerge into themselves is beautiful, and it is only love which provides the environment for the change.
As Rumi wrote, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.” And Emily Dickenson wrote, “That love is all there is, is all we know of love.”
Thank your for taking us back to the heart. And not just to our own heart but to the Heart of All.
So good to see you here Victor! You know this subject so well!