What's The Good Word?

Every morning driving onto campus, I stopped by the guard shack to say hello to Carl. His smile and morning greeting was a great way to start the day. Carl faithfully asked me the question, "What the good word?" We would exchange words. Carl's favorite words came from scripture verses he shared. I missed the the good word routine after I left campus. Carl's kindness and words of truth, wisdom, and encouragement provided me life and energy for the day. It's been years since I have seen Carl and his words and actions still bring a positive memory and response to me.

King Solomon is credited with creating the proverb that says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs18:21) The wisdom shared ages ago are still prevalent today. Our words have the power to build people up or tear them down. Words inspire and bring joy. Words also create conflict and destroy. The news reports deaths of teens who commit suicide because of hurtful and disparaging comments posted on social media. The words of one life permanently destroyed another life.

Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden also believed in the power of words. Like Carl, Coach Wooden used words to help athletes and professionals build success. He is known for creating the Pyramid of Success which describes what helps people achieve competitive greatness. Coach Wooden was a life long learned who loved reading and sharing quotes from poetry and books. He also authored a few books. Coach Wooden loved reading his favorite book which he called The Good Book also known as the Bible.

I had the opportunity to personally experience the power of Coach Wooden's words to build success. I worked in the Training Department for In-N-Out Burger. After listening to Lynn Guerin share the value of the Wooden Leadership Program to In-N-Out Executives, In-N-Out invested in sending Associates to the Wooden Leadership Training program. I was fortunate to attend the program and meet Coach Wooden.

We began the training session with people sharing their name and job title. Coach Wooden graciously signed the books we received at the beginning of the day. At the lunch break, I brought my book for him to sign, and he greeted me saying, "Hello Stephanie." I was so impressed with the way Coach Wooden in his mid 90's could remember my name. I felt honored, valued, and seen by someone as respected esteemed, and well known as Coach Wooden. The interaction with Coach Wooden had the same positive impact on me that Carl did.

This blog is designed to use words to encourage you and add value to your life the way Carl and Coach Wooden did for me. I believe speaking as champions involves speaking words that add value to people's lives. Today's good word for me is life. What's the good word for you?