• Words That Change - by Scott V. Black, CEO
• Update on the "Which New Logo Do You Like Best?" Survey
• Lots of Changes on the Schedule
• Call to ACTION: Will You Be Joining Scott Black and Dennis Huff in Sacramento on May 7th?

• Making a Difference - by Jon Engelman, Team 482

• New Feature: My Word Coach - Can you figure it out?

Words That Change

 

By Scott V. Black

Hello Empower U Leadership Team.

It is said that the most powerful force on our planet is water. Water can create the “Grand Canyon” over time. Wind, water, earthquakes, atomic energy... there are some very powerful forces on this planet.

Let me add something to that list... words.

Words can be very powerful. The right word at the right time can change someone’s life. We experience that regularly at Empower U.

However, the wrong word, at the right time, can destroy someone’s life... if they allow it to. Those painful auditory daggers, called “verbal slaps,” can do some real damage. The sting from those slaps doesn’t go away, it lingers for years. Our words can also be a powerful source of energy, in a constructive way.

Most successful people or success-minded people, use quotes and stories as personal motivators. There are entire companies like Successories who get their entire revenue from putting “words” onto cards, posters and plagues. Our mission statements are words put in a format that stir us up to be more than most would think possible.

Words are powerful, they can destroy or they can build.

Words and History

We each have a history and that history shows us the power of words. We can all remember a few words in our life that had a profound effect on us. Whether they were from a parent, spouse, coach... some words were shared that allowed us to “rise up” in hope, or to collapse in anguish.

Most people are familiar with Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech. The words he chose the eloquence of the delivery and the movement of their meaning... are forever etched in time. Christ one time wrote a few words in the sand and dispersed an angry, murderous mob. FDR spoke words after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which are forever etched in history.

The Power of Our Words

Let’s consider our words and the use of those words. In our Leadership Training we spend a lot of time on our words. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to take a look at the programming that is getting us results. If we don’t like the results, then we change the programming—the words, to change our results... words are powerful... they can construct, and they can destroy.

In our Leadership training classes we reframe belief systems, we grab a hold of powerless words and we are more aware of the effects of our words. Outside of class we need to remember, words can be the sweetest and the bitterest things we can ever taste.

How do you use your words? I know for me, sometimes my words can slice. The book of Proverbs talks in detail about the power of the tongue.

We are all programmed by our past and the words that construct that past. Today we get to “create” a better tomorrow. Much of that programming, of that “creation,” is a byproduct of the words we use.

Using the Power of Your Words Wisely

Who in your life can you use words to help build up? Who in your life could you use words to help grow? How do you speak to those that you love the most? Where, in the past, have you struggled with your words the most? When are the times that your words can be harsher than at other times?

Think about the most important three words one can speak; I love you, I am sorry, I miss you, you are special... I was thinking of some of the most important two-words; Hey babe, Good Night, Good Morning, Luv ya, I do, I will, I am...

I would love to know words that have changed your life. Most people have stories of words that have made an impact. Do you have a story about someone who spoke some words to you that forever changed your life? Do you know of stories like this? I would love to get your stories about the power of words in your life.

Six Especially Powerful Words

Over the next few newsletters we are going to be talking about 6 words that are words of Change. They form a great foundation, and become great tools when they are used.

What are the six words? Passion, Vision, Commitment, Purpose, Focus and Team... These six words are the foundation for all things great. These words are lived in Leadership Awakening but how do we live them in a “Good 'Nuff” world? Over the next few newsletters we will be delving into the “how” of the six words, and especially, how to use these words to create positive change.

• Focus: It’s what Leaders do.
• Commitment: It’s what leaders live.
• Purpose: It’s what leaders pursue.
• Passion: It’s what leaders have.
• Vision: It’s what leaders see.
• Team: It’s what leaders build.

What do these six words look like, how might they show up, at home, at work, at play? How can you use these words to inspire and/or to constructively criticize in a way that causes good change to take place? What could be a unique use of these words? How does passion show up at home, what does vision look like in your church life, where does commitment show up with taking care of yourself?

These are only some different things we will be discussing. I would love your input so please email me at MrBlack@empoweru.net with your stories and/or comments.

Remember...
When you live your life like it matters- It does!

With Passion-HBS
Scott V. Black
Empower U International

Update on the New Logo Survey

 

The votes are still coming in!

We've had an amazing response to the survey of our readers about the new logo design. Not only have lots of people taken the time to vote, many have also told us why they voted the way they did. We appreciate all of your input.

But it's not over yet! We'll be accepting votes until the end of April, so if you haven't voted yet, you still have time.

Voting is easy, simply click on the logo you prefer and an email window should automatically come up. When you send the email your vote will be counted. You also have the option of commenting in the email about what you like about the logo you prefer.

Here are the logos:

Logo #1:

Logo#2:

We are counting the results and you'll be among the first to know how it turns out. Thanks for your input!

Lots of Changes on the Schedule

Over the past month we've been updating the class schedule. Here are the highlights:

First of all, there is now a new Leadership Adventure class scheduled for July 24-26, 2008. If you've been waiting to complete your Leadership Experience this gives you an excellent opportunity to do so.

The Teen Awakening class in July has been rescheduled. This is a wonderful way to give high school age teens the chance to become more focused, begin creating their vision, and learn the value of teamwork. The new date for class is June 18-20, 2009 in Sacramento.

Finally, we've added several dates for Leadership Awakening. This gives your starfish - business associates, friends and family members - even more opportunity to find a date that will work for them.

See all of the updates on the Leadership Training Schedule page of the web site.

Call to ACTION

 

Will You Be Joining Scott Black and Dennis Huff
 in Sacramento on May 7th?

The people you surround yourself with have a lot to do with your success. In fact some people believe that you will never rise above the quality of the people you hang out with. In other words, you are only as good as the people you associate with. I want to associate with like-minded people, people who are committed to being the “best of the best.” People that are committed to being better every day… better parents, bosses, co-workers, spouses… better human beings.

On Wednesday May 7th, we are planning to kick off our first ever “3% club” in Sacramento, California. Since—UP UNTIL NOW—Sacramento represents the largest percentage of our graduate base, we are going to plant the first club there. Empower U will help get the club started and be actively involved for the first few meetings, then the graduates will take over and run it themselves.

The meeting will start at 6:57 pm at the Clarion Hotel Cal Expo and we will bring it to a close by 8:58 pm. It will be an honor to connect, stay connected with other graduates.

This monthly “re-charge” allows you to connect with other like-minded graduates of Empower U. It will be a social, re-energizing, Empower U centered monthly opportunity to help LIVE what you committed to in Leadership Awakening. There will be a fun process, mingling with other members of the EU Leadership Team, and a chance to make a difference in the community as an organization of committed leaders. Watch future newsletters for more information on other times and locations.

Take Action: To plan effectively, we need to know if you'll be coming. If you are, please let us know. Email by clicking this link to confirm you'll be there.

Making a Difference

 

by Jon Engelman, Team 482

I chose to do a very simple but impactful activity - I wrote some thank you cards.

I don't think I've ever sent one before up until now. It was very satisfying expressing my gratitude to the recipients, because I know how I would feel to get a thank you card.

One person was my sister in law (she watched my 4 kids so I could go to graduation in Dallas). I saw her two days later. She thanked me and said she was "floored" when she read it. She had a sparkle in her eye.

I benefited from this by the knowledge that I had brightened her life that day. I now carry a few thank you cards in my day planner to write people when I choose.

By the way, THANK YOU, Scott! The work you do enriches and moves many people beyond the attendees of your courses.

Heart, Body & Soul,

Jon Engelman, President
QualityOne Commercial Cleaning

My Word Coach

 

Can you figure it out?

We commonly use words and phrases that have old meanings. Often we aren't even aware of where those words came from.

Twice a month we'll be giving you a hint about word and a phrase and ask you to guess what the word or phrase is. Of course we'll be giving you the answers, but do yourself a favor and see if you can get the answer before clicking on the link.

Have fun!

Question #1: What word was first used by college students as a slang for teacher? It later became more broadly used for anyone who trains or teaches. Hint: It originally was a modified version of the name of a Hungarian town that was the birthplace of the horse-drawn carriage.

Question #2: What phrase came about because of the belief that the normally silent swan was thought to sing a beautiful tune just one time in its life... right before death?

See the answers by clicking here.