I was recently researching a topic for an upcoming speaking engagement when I came across this quote from Dr Richard C. Halverson:
“You can offer your ideas to others as bullets or as seeds. You can shoot them or sow them. Ideas used as bullets will kill inspiration and motivation. Ideas used as seeds will take root, grow and bear fruit in the life in which they are planted. But there’s a risk; once it becomes part of those in whom it’ s planted, you probably will get no credit for originating the idea. But if you’re willing to do without the credit… you’ll reap a rich harvest”.
Good ideas can often be wasted when we use a ‘ram-it-down-your-throat’ approach.
I understood that day that if I wanted to make a positive impact in how people relate and communicate, I had to learn how to say the right things, in the right way.
My efforts at helping others might fail, or worse, alienate them if I do not approach them with compassion and humility. Most people already know what challenges or problems they are currently facing and deep down, they want to do better.
Unless I want a ‘who-are-you-to-tell-me?’ response, I have to approach people with respect, compassion and humility. If people refuse to listen to the truth in the way that I am sharing it, then maybe the problem’s not theirs – it could be mine. Maybe I”m firing bullets instead of planting seeds.
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit” – Harry S. Truman
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