Leadership and Language

Leadership involves various ways and means of using different source of power. Power is conveyed through language. Great prophetic leaders used simple language that touched and transformed values, thinking, people and history.

Power is relative, dynamic and contextual. Someone powerful in one context can be least powerful in another context. Even the most poweful person can lose power in a hospital bed. Power in any social and institutional context is conveyed through language, values, systems and vision.

Power is primarily a communicative action, using of the speech act, using language based on certain grammar, or a system and policy of an organization or social /cultural norms in a society. Strategic and very discrete use of language is essential for any leadership role.

It is often language that make and unmake us. Language can elevate and inspire.Language can be creative and imaginative. Constitution itself is language and the grammar of the nation state. Law and rule of law too use language and communiicative action. Language can also be destructive, and incite violence and destruction. Language can make and break relationship. Language can make and unmake positions of power. People telll lies and truth, using language..

Hence, discrete use of language is one of the most important life skills.Responsible and discrete use of language us an essential quality of leadership. Patient listening and consistent learning are essential for any problem solving. When to speak, when not to speak, what to speak where and when and to whom require self awarenes, understanding the context,and clarity about communication and audience.

Every single word is important. Even the tone and manner in which a word is conveyed matters.Because in everywhere word, there is a world. And a worldview. Every word signifies a thought and an attitude Those who use less power often sustain it more. Those who use imagination through inspiring language of vision can make change happen within and beyond. Great leaders use language to convey great dream beyond themselves to transform thinking and society.

Leadership quality in any institutional context, social and political context require seven essential qualities.

1.Self awareness and self reflection : A regular reality check of your own values, moral choices,, strength, limitations, internal /external context , responsibility and how to not to use language and power.

2. Empathy and thoughtful about others. Put yourself in to others shoes

3. Patience : Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. Life , work and influencing is a marathon. Not a sprint. Impatience and speed can make you crash or brunt out. Slow and steady can make a difference too.

4.Discretion : Use language and power with discretion

5. Humility : in thought, word and action. Always understand that no one is indispensable. You too are not indispensable. Power is transitory.

6. Value. Because values reflect your choices of thought, words and deeds. It is those choices that make you and unmake you.

7. Courage of conviction : Because it gives you clarity of purpose, and deep commitment to work to realize the purpose : A sense of vision and mission All these are conveyed through thought, words and deed. When you walk the talk , people will listen to you and you will begin to toch, heal and transform the world within and beyond.

In the beginning there was word. Word was with God. Word was God.

JS