Date: 9/1/2015

Title: LANGUAGE, TONE, & LEADERSHIP – Part 2

By Bryan Arzani

In fact, Gladwell talks about a situation he calls “analysis paralysis”. This occurs when we have too much information or seek too much information before making a decision. Doesn’t this sound like our current environment! We have Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter….all places to “get information” or “give opinions and information”. We have a 24/7 news cycle. When was the last time you really listened to the news for a long period of time and actually heard new information? No, instead we hear the same story and point of view hashed over and over, then presented through the mouths of a male anchor, a female anchor, and the proverbially man on the street. BUT, nothing new is provided. So, why spend all that time listening?

Analysis paralysis actually hurts our ability to make decisions. Our challenge is to sift through the “extra stuff” and focus on just the critical information. Then, just make the decision. Gladwell states that better judgments can be achieved with simplicity of information, or intuitive judgment.

Intuitive judgment is developed through experience, training, and knowledge. But, our ability to thin-slice can be corrupted by our likes/dislikes, prejudices, and stereotypes.

So, where do language and voice tone fit in? Language and voice tone set our expectations. We “associate” certain words and certain tones of voice with how we should behave or what’s expected of us. The choice of words and the tone of voice we use are analogous to thin-slicing. We hear them and quickly (unconsciously) make a decision about what to do. We even may preclude our own success or lack of it. What stage are you setting as a leader?

To learn more about how to practice this understanding, contact Results Group, LLC at www.ResultsGroupLLC.com or 515-330-2866.