Image by National Library NZ on The Commons via Flickr
Today during a discussion the topic centered on people – how people aren’t aware of things – like the environment etc. – and as a coach my task is to note and help my clients realize that “people” is too broad to use as a category.
This concept will help you also –
How often do you say, “People are so… (fill in the blank yourself) lazy, uncaring, wonderful etc.”
I know I do it– and it seems okay if it’s a positive thing – “People are so interesting!” to which most people would smile or nod.
However – not ALL people are interesting (though that no doubt can be argued too) and so chunking ALL people into a group is limiting us in our thinking –
Some people are more interesting than others – to certain other people etc. Very rarely are ALL people anything. Though most of us share similar characteristics – like the ability to walk or reason…
So today – think about how often we chunk people into broad groups that hide the real truth from us –
“People are so lazy”
“Those people don’t have a clue”
“If people only knew what was really going on”
You can still have these opinions – however it’s probably more true that it’s not ALL people who do any particular thing and so to be more thoughtful, more engaging and inclusive – let’s open our thinking – and state things in a softer way –
“Some people are lazy about some things.”
“When a person makes decisions like that it makes you wonder if they have a clue.”
“It might be that he or she isn’t aware of what is going on.”
The difference between the two above examples shows how you can shift your thinking and speaking to really make a difference – because if you continue to use broad sweeping statements you might turn into one of those “people” who feel uninformed!
Remember you create your day by the way you think – and speak! Make it magnificent!
Blessings, Shawna
www.PeopleSkills.us
