Words Are Free

I often refer to a Gallup statistic that 70% of Americans dislike or hate their job. This number is staggering, but always consistent with what I experience out in the world when I’m meeting with families. In fact, it feels rare when someone actually says, “yeah, I like my job.”

There are many reasons for not liking your job. The work, the organization, the mission, the hours, the co-workers, the pay……so many different factors. However, there’s one factor that overwhelmingly drives people’s relationship with their work. Their boss. I hesitate to call them leaders, because most of them they aren’t. They are just that, bosses. if you give someone the perfect work, organization, mission, hours, co-workers, and pay, they will still dislike or hate their job if their boss sucks.

Multiple times in just the last week, people have shared stories about how their boss didn’t say something. When the boss didn’t give them credit for a recent win. When the boss didn’t advocate for them. When the boss didn’t recognize their hard work and contribution. When the boss didn’t communicate something important that should have been talked about. In each of these cases, a few simple words would have made a world a difference. It’s a shame, too, as words are free. It doesn’t cost us anything to open our mouth and speak on behalf and in benefit of others.

Raising someone else up doesn’t lower us. But yet, so many of us aren’t using our words to lift others up. And in the process, we are putting up walls, pushing people away, and forcing them to look elsewhere for what they are seeking. Let’s use today as an opportunity to use our free words to make an impact. At home, at work, in public, and wherever else you find yourself.