Avoid Synonyms—The Specific Words Matter

People need to hear something seven times to hear it once. People need to hear something seven times to hear it once. People need—okay, you get the point. But it is an important one—as leaders in the classrooms and in our schools, we are effectively CROs (Chief Repeating Officers) and not only do we need to repeat the message again and again, but we need to choose the right language for the culture we desire.

After all, language creates culture.  

The culture of our classrooms and our schools comes down to the language we use. If we are not intentional about the development of this culture, we leave it to chance and that often doesn’t develop the kind of culture we want.

What does this mean in practicality? It means choosing the words that clearly and accurately communicate the desired culture you want in your school. And it means sharing that language with every teacher in the school so there is clarity and consistency (remember, consistency compounds) in the messaging—this is why synonyms don’t cut it. Choosing the words intentionally and then defining those words clearly and then repeating those words over and over and over creates the foundation of the desired culture.

And if this desired culture is one where the entrepreneurial mindset thrives, then choose words that speak to this outcome. Here’s a list of suggestions:

“effort” – using the word “effort” places it in a higher value threshold than “talent” (a determining factor in the development of a growth mindset and grit)

“abundance” – the abundance mindset, like the growth mindset, is contrary to a fixed mindset of scarcity and suggests unlimited growth and potential

“thrive” and “flourish” – not just survive, not just get through, but live in a state of joy and supercharged growth

“transform” – Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation is central to the entrepreneurial mindset.

“curiosity” – constantly asking “what if?” to encourage our students to do the same

“follow-through” – Angela Duckworth credits this idea to the development of grit—encouraging follow-through and emphasizing the importance of it helps with long-term goal setting

“vision” – understanding where we are going and what we want helps make daily decisions easier

“collaboration” – Malcolm Gladwell called this THE skill of the 21^st century

I encourage teachers and administrators to pick four or five key words and make a commitment to repeat them daily for the entire year to establish the foundation of the desired culture.

If we have to hear something seven times to hear it once, it is worth repeating these words each and every day until they become so ingrained in our attitude and mindset that it becomes internalized into who we are and who we inspire others to be. In doing this, we will inspire others to embrace the entrepreneurial mindset and supercharge their lives.

Let’s Go!

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