Language Unlimited
Language plays a massive role in the subtleties of moodset. Actual language and body language.
I am currently listening to Game Changers by Dave Asprey. In an early chapter, he references four words that create a negative mood for the speaker, and the listener. The four “weasel” words as he references them are “can’t”, “need”, “try”, and “bad”.
Note your own resistance to this list as you read the four words. Note how we justify using them. Now reconsider with an open mind how these words might limit us and/or our teams.
Performance climate is highly dependent on leadership cues such as behaviour and language. Another way of explaining this is body language and actual language.
In body language I will include facial expressions which apply in the virtual world as well. So start with a smile, accompanied by a greeting!
It is amazing how many barriers this combination can break :). My good friend Eric Doyle who started a weekly LinkedIn show called the Big Live Breakfast Burrito, always reminds the audience that the “price of entry” is a simple greeting and an introduction. Simple but so significant to setting the scene for support and sociability.
Eye contact and intentional attention also sends a strong signal to others that we are present, respectful and purposeful. The opposite behaviour includes people who do not make eye contact, and who are always distracted. Does that sound inspiring?
Using people’s names is a great way to create a positive connection where possible, and the virtual world even helps us out with this so there is no excuse! But in face-to-face environments, learning names can be a game-changer for moodset. Two-way greetings by name in a team environment is a “norm” or “cue” which signifies a culture of respect.
The language of blame is possibly the most limiting cue a leader can use. Nothing erodes a performance climate like “It was their fault”, or “It is not my job”. This language is often accompanied by body language and facial expressions which even from a distance can tell a viewer that the huddle is complaining and blaming. You can visualise what I mean can’t you?
The positive alternative which we should all aspire to, is a “huddle for good”. A group conversation which exudes energy and has nothing to hide.
These subtle but powerful cues ultimately set the stage and the state for performance. Whether we are talking about a family or a community, a team or a tribe, language is a leading indicator of how limited (or otherwise) collective success will be.
