I Stood At The End
of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina this week and took this photo. The pier stretches 475 feet straight out onto the ocean, and was built of solid wood in 1939. I was looking at the full moon and here’s what I was thinking. 

The Moonlight Was Brilliant
and created a path to me across the water that was so clear I felt I could walk on it. Then the wind shifted, clouds moved, and the light was completely obscured in the dark sky. I knew the moon was still shining, but I could not see it. 

Times Being What They Are
there are lots of clouds in our lives these days. Chaos. Fatigue. Uncertainty. Defiance. Polarization. Yet I believe the light is still there, behind it all, and it’s up to us to look for it. 

You Are The Light
That’s you and me. Us. As communicators, let’s keep trying to find and use words that matter and hopefully make a difference. 

Greatest Hits
I’ve written about these ideas before, and as one of my valued clients said, “I don’t see anything wrong with repeating the important topics; repetition helps me with information retention.” So herewith, some communication choices that will help you start small and meet the moment.

Please and Thank You
Bottom line: I don’t think we ever feel thanked or appreciated enough. These three words can make a huge difference in someone’s day and in their self-esteem. Be generous. It doesn’t cost you anything, it only takes a few seconds and the impact can be truly meaningful.    

Mention People By Name
Reference your colleagues by name, whether they’re there to hear you or not. Give attribution to others liberally.
Jose had a really good handle on this issue.
I‘d like to add to Melinda’s point.
Thanks, Terry, for starting our analysis.

Positive Instead of Negative
Positive words add to the conversation, keeping those conversational balls up in the air, bouncing from person to person. Negative words stop the flow and sap everyone’s energy.  

Instead of either/or thinking, look for larger possibilities that are more inclusive and open to a range of opinions. Think Yes, and… instead of No, but… Generally speaking, “but” is not a great word, because it tends to negate everything that has come before it! 

Be An Igniter Not A Squelcher
✔ Igniters use language that ignites the fire and excitement of possibility:
That might have potential.
Why don’t we give it a try.
Let’s continue thinking about this.
I suggest we check in to keep the conversation going.
Should we go for it? 

✘ Squelchers use language that shuts things down and squelches potential:
It’s not going to work.
It won’t get approved.
We’ve never done it that way.
I don’t think that’s helpful.
This isn’t what we’re looking for. 

Find Commonalities
If we can try and remember our shared humanity, I think it helps.
We’re going to put our heads together here.
Let’s figure out…
As a group, can we…
Together, we’re going to take a look at…
We’ve got this. 

Self-Gracing
None of this is easy. And sometimes we may not have the bandwidth to make the effort. And that’s OK, too. Do what you can, when you can, and give yourself grace when you just can’t. Self-gracing is my new phrase that I have found really useful. You might want to give it a try. 

Shine on, my friends, because I see the light in you!

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