In our busy world where it seems everyone is talking (and causes me to often wonder if ANYone is listening), the book titled:  Listen proves to be quite thought-provoking.

All of us who peruse the internet can learn from this book. The things we say on FB and Twitter and many other social sites should possibly be considered a tad more carefully. I leave that decision to each of you.

But the compelling novel, Listen by Renee Gutteridge talks of the value of words in all aspects of our lives, not just what we may read on the internet social networks. It reminds me that “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you,” is far from true. Yes, we can survive. But words do hurt.

Each of us know situations that ring true to the novel. Whether our own experience or someone we love, we know that words can damage and hurt. Words are not without power. Quite often, the burden is carried silently while eroding one’s self-confidence.

Remember “the pen IS mightier than the sword.” There is a reason that reading has often been kept from various classes of peoples throughout history. Words – words are powerful. Within words are knowledge. But also within words are the ability to cripple.

Don’t get me wrong. I firmly believe in speaking up regarding our values, etc. But here we’re talking about the little things – the whispers, the side comments, the politician who thinks his microphone is turned off. These small uses of words quite often can create ever growing ripples of hurt, like throwing a stone into a calm pond and watching the ripple effect.

Why should it matter? Because it speaks to our integrity. Damaging, off the cuff comments can totally ruin our business as well as our personal image. We all know that the ugly and bad will whisk around the globe at cyberspeed compared to the good.

So, grab the book. Take a day to read Listen. I’d love to hear your comments, not only in direct reference to the book, but in reference to how connected your personal words are with your business image when it meets in cyberspace. What do you think?

Does your business image support your personal integrity? Should it? Can you have integrity while having two different codes of ethics – business and personal? As the world grows more connected, the line will grow thinner. Where do you stand?

Would love to hear from you.

Warmly,

Tags: conversations, Facebook, integrity, listen, power of words, Renee Gutteridge, social media, Twitter