Words Like Cannon Balls

Words like Canon Balls!
I have been told that at times I am like a bull in a china shop. It is true. When I have my mind set on something, I tend to persist towards my goal in a driving, blinding manner which is not always pleasing to those around me. I understand that and have made serious progress in understanding the dynamics of action and words.

Knowing that my passion is sometimes interpretted as aggression, I purposefully tone down conversations at times so that I don't appear to be aggressive. Understand that it is contrary to my nature, but I relish the challenge of personal growth. Well over a year ago, I encountered a highly volatile situation that was not going to be easily resolved. I lost sleep the night before the big confrontation and thought endlessly about the ensuing mess.

The next morning, I got up early and crafted my concerns as professionally and concisely as possible in the form of a one-page letter. I really worked on the tone and nature of the letter. My goal was not to make anything personal to anyone. My goal was to state my concerns in a professional manner.

As the meeting approached, I brought in a yellow legal pad and a couple of copies of the letter that I wrote. Sure enough, the meeting spiraled into a heated conversation. Up to that point, I was completely quiet, just observing the nature of the conversation. then I spoke up...quietly to be sure, but with reverence and conviction. My tone was absolutely even. I proceeded to read my letter. It had the effect of a bomb going off. The effect was not just instant, it was long lasting.

I severed myself from the company I had founded in that letter and the effects continue to ripple even to this day. There were only a few people present at that meeting that I still speak to and they recall a slightly different version of the story than I tell. They tell it with me being the loud and boisterous individual that I have been known to be. I know that is their perception, and from a perception stand point, they are absolutely right. In reality, I calmly read a letter which had the words like cannon balls, fired under the even tone of my breath.

The force of words can be catastrophic. I don't know that I have always understood or respected that. In fact, until recently, I am sure that I have not respected that idea. It is clear to me now, that we all have the power and weild it every day. Some of us use it wisely, some of us don't. But at least we should be aware of the power of our words. I am just beginning to understand the devastating power of our words and our intent.

Respectfully,


Rob

(suck it up, Buttercup!)