[aageneral] When Words Sting

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__________

WHEN WORDS STING

A funny story tells of a hostess making final arrangements for an
elaborate reception. "Nora," she said to her veteran servant, "for the
first half-hour I want you to stand at the drawing room door and call
the guests' names as they arrive."

Nora's face lit up. "Thank you, ma'am," she replied. "I've been
wanting to do that to some of your friends for the last twenty years."

Maybe we can relate, but either manners or fear of losing a job kept
us from saying what we felt at the time. Often better to do as
Napoleon Hill suggests: "If you must slander someone, don't speak it -
but write it - write it in the sand, near the waters edge!"

Criticism is not to be confused with evaluation. We would do well to
have our performance evaluated from time to time. None of us is beyond
improvement. But hurtful and self-serving criticism, often spoken out
of anger or vindictiveness, creates irreparable damage in a
relationship. From time to time, we each feel its sting.

Phillips Brooks, over a century ago, used to pray for the grace to
both rise above criticisms as well as to resist firing them back. "Oh,
God," he prayed, "give the strength to live another day. Keep me from
losing faith in people. Keep me sweet and sound, in spite of
occasional ingratitude and meanness. Above all, keep me from giving
little stings, and minding them."

A good antidote when words sting.
__________

Steve Goodier Publisher@LifeSupportSystem.com is a professional
speaker, consultant and author of numerous books. Visit his site for
more information, or to sign up for his FREE newsletter of Life, Love
and Laughter at http://LifeSupportSystem.com.

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