04 TAN UPDATE 08.25.2022 - Aligned Language

Language can be a catalyst for connection or competition. Intentionally or not, it acts as a catalyst. Blindly using the wrong catalyst can blow up in your face.

— Rachel Richter —

You've probably heard that communication is 55% body language, 38% tonality, and 7% actual verbal content (the words we use). But that's not the whole story. That little 7% informs the nonverbal communication that we send and receive.Let's talk about the language of alignment — the language of choice, of allowing, of curiosity, and of invitation. Instead of calling people out, aligned language helps us "call people in" so we can better collaborate, succeed, and thrive together — personally and professionally.We connect and collaborate through language as humans. With language we can build bridges, create unintentional roadblocks, or even burn bridges down.

Why do we use this language of choice, of allowing, of curiosity, and of invitation? It is the opposite of rigidity. Choosing this language creates the "white space" for discovery, connection, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This kind of space can be restricted by boundaries and assumptions that we hold as truths.How do you know when & where this white space being restricted?Notice when any of the following words are present in a conversation: should, must, never, always, have to, need to, can't.Question it.Often, there is something else, some hidden assumption or reason driving those statements. Uncover those to find more clarity, insight, direction, and opportunities to succeed and thrive.Our words matter. When your intention is to create greater alignment, practice leveraging aligned language — it removes rigidity and myopic lenses that put distance between us and what is possible when we work together. 🚀

Enjoyed reading this? Who in your circle could benefit from having the opportunity to read this too?Be a source for good — share it with intention. It is how ideas that create positive impact can spread the most.Best,RachelP.S. I’d genuinely love to know your thoughts, aha moments, & takeaways!Reply to engage 👋