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Word Association is Powerful as Leaders
It just goes to show that… when we use words they matter. Let’s think about our culture and the words that we sometimes use that belong or don’t belong to us and how we use them.
Word association is so powerful.
When we hear something said we get to choose how we respond and react.
There’s an empty shopping building near my house with a sign that just went up saying we were getting a grocery store. I’ve been hoping a store would open up next to my house for a quick run and healthy options … my thought was a Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, or Baron.
My dream didn't come true.
Grocery Outlet is what we’re getting.
I’ve seen this company pop up in surrounding areas but never felt called to step inside, the name makes me think of day-old food, or stuff nobody else wants. It hasn't opened yet so we’ll see if it's better than I’m imagining, I really hope so.
It just goes to show that…
when we use words they matter.
Let’s think about our culture and the words that we sometimes use that belong or don’t belong to us and how we use them.
I recently attended a training on gendered & racist language at my co-working space during our quarterly meeting in the racial and social justice sub-hub group.
We were discussing what words are not appropriate to say that we’ve been saying for a long time and how to shift away from using them.
The list was incredibly long and there were many that I knew and some that I shifted my mind around and saw how they are and can be hurtful.
For example:
It’s not appropriate to say let's meet for a quick pow-wow. Though the word powwow has been used as slang as far back as I remember to have a short quick meeting. Its actual meeting is: the powwow is a public long celebration and demonstration of community pride in Indian culture and a way of honoring Native American heritage.
See how that doesn’t even remotely honor the culture or the heritage.
We’ve been using words like this incorrectly and it can feel hard to pull back as many of these things have been part of generations and generations of training.
The great thing is that when we know better, we can do better.
We must stay humble when someone says that a word you’ve used or how you responded has hurt them.
Take a second and think about it.
Don't get defensive.
How you respond at that moment can make the difference.
Remember it's about Intent and Impact.
Think about what was my intent when I said this and how did it impact someone else?
Even if you didn’t intent to do harm.
Notice and pay attention to the impact on the other party.
And get curious!
What things do you say without even understanding the original meaning or how it might be taken by someone else. And how can you shift your language to be more culturally aware of others?
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Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
