Staying Connected with Words Everything we do has an impact, including the language we use. Those who work for us and with us are watching and listening to us. Small things can make a big difference in the outcome. When we engage in a coaching conversation, we want to be intentional about the language we use. We want to use language that pulls people in rather than push them away. Consider the seemingly small difference between: BUT vs. AND BUT vs. AND Exercise Round 1: BUT You say, “Here’s my opinion.” They say, “But you need to think of it this way.” You say, “I’m going to concentrate on this today.” They say, “But I want something else done.” Round 2: AND You say, “Here’s my opinion.” They say, “I hear you and I have a different opinion to add.” You say, “I’m going to concentrate on this today.” They say, “I hear what you are saying and I want something else done first.”
Staying Connected with Words Everything we do has an impact, including the language we use. Those who work for us and with us are watching and listening to us. Small things can make a big difference in the outcome. When we engage in a coaching conversation, we want to be intentional about the language we use. We want to use language that pulls people in rather than push them away. Consider the seemingly small difference between: BUT vs. AND BUT vs. AND Exercise Round 1: BUT You say, “Here’s my opinion.” They say, “But you need to think of it this way.” You say, “I’m going to concentrate on this today.” They say, “But I want something else done.” Round 2: AND You say, “Here’s my opinion.” They say, “I hear you and I have a different opinion to add.” You say, “I’m going to concentrate on this today.” They say, “I hear what you are saying and I want something else done first.”