Think First

Like me, I am sure there are many notable quotes that have influenced and guided you throughout your life and career.      There are a number of quotes that have inspired me along the way and I would like to share some of the ones that have made the most impact.  Remember this one?

“It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain.

When I was first introduced to this quote, it puzzled me and took a while to fully comprehend its meaning.  Salespeople love to talk because that is their strength.  They believe that they encompass tremendous product knowledge and eagerly want to describe this product to influence a prospect.   Their belief is so strong that it overpowers any other forces at the time.   They have a powerful urge to share the features, advantages, and benefits of their product.  Therefore, this quote is most appropriate.  It carries over into their personal lives also.

After learning about this quote, I reflected on how I have behaved and acted in my young career.  The more I reflected, the more I understood the quote and the multitude of reasons to respect and abide by it.   We are so eager to sell and tell our story that we don’t consider,

1.     Is anyone interested, and is anyone listening

2.     Do I really know what I am saying

3.     Are all the facts correct and appropriate

4.     Does anyone care about what I am saying

5.     Does my eagerness send out the wrong signal

6.     Is what I say meaningful and of value

7.     Will I be respected for what I say

8.     Do I appear stupid when I speak

This applies not only professionally but personally as well.   It would take pages to share with you the many times I should have thought more carefully before speaking.   There were many moments, after the fact, when I felt regret for my oration.   Unfortunately, attempting a retraction and walking back, is seldom a successful solution.  

The lesson here is to always think, and think carefully, before speaking.   Think about your actions every day, no matter how trivial or complex, not just occasionally, and see how this quote can help you.  It stands to reason that we should always understand what we say, when we say it, and how we say it.   Like me, you are not stupid and thus we should never allow ourselves to appear being so.