Has anyone ever used unflattering terms to describe the ways in which you most naturally think, feel and behave—your greatest talents?
Think about labels that others may have said about you or
labels you may have thought about another person such as:
He’s slow--when really he likes to take his time and think
through all the options before deciding.
She’s a blabbermouth--when really she has the ability to
articulate ideas quickly.
He’s so negative--when really he is the one who naturally asks
questions and thinks up alternative ways to solve problems.
She is so naive--when she always finds the positive in
every situation and is always optimistic.
I wish he would think before he acts--when he has a sense of urgency to get things moving.
Instead of thinking, “that child is so stubborn and defiant,
think instead that child is really good at standing up for himself” or “she is
so slow” to “she is a very cautious and careful decision maker.”
Our society teaches us to view the world from a deficit mentality. We are taught to look at what's wrong with others instead of what's right with them. Beware of those negative labels. Switch your thoughts to what are those actions telling me about that person's innate talents? Is there a glimpse of excellence underneath that negative label?
