Today we frequently hear “Words Matter.”
Then an emphatic response:
“Action speaks louder than words.”
This debate leaves us confused. Which is it? And why does it matter to women?
Initially as women we may be drawn to the side of the debate that says “words matter” because women are typically better at communication. The importance of Words puts female skills on par with the stereotyped male trait of Action and helps us see our equality. We are further encouraged by the old saying:
“The pen is mightier than the sword.”
It tells us that words wield power over the physical Action which has always made women feel weaker and inferior.
But let’s keep this in perspective.
The typical debate between Words and Action is philosophical and we need to concern ourselves with what is important in the workplace. Do “Words matter” there? Or is Action what counts?
In actuality our workplaces deal in both Words and Action.
Our workplaces exist to develop, plan, market and deliver a product or service to its customers. All of those require Action. When we are involved in those activities, we have timelines and budgets to meet and pressure to get our work done. Therefore,
ACTION = WORK
Our workplaces also have people who deal in words. They are typically in business development and sales. They use words to convince customers to purchase buy a product or service. We don’t always view this as Work. We see it as something less, like hype.
It is one of the first lesson we all learn in life – be leery of the sales pitch. We know it is easy to use Words to make false claims and promises; that a good salesman can use Words to make a sow’s ear sound like a silk purse. However, when the sow’s ear is delivered instead of the silk purse, customers aren’t happy. They don’t complain to the salesman because they are no longer around. Customers complain to the person who made and delivered the final product to them.
Consequently, there is often friction between the people who work through Words and the people who work through Action. The people who work through Action have to figure out how to deliver on what the Words sold. They must have the skills, knowledge and experience to solve problems and make customers happy. Therefore, they are critically important to any business.
Words can claim or promise anything. They can say the sun rises in the West then makes a sharp turn to set in the South.
Words have the luxury of being able to ignore and lie about Reality.
Action can’t. Action must deal with Reality in order to achieve an objective.
So then why do we keep hearing, “Words matter”?
Well, let’s look at who says it – the media, spokespeople, lawyers, salespeople, diplomats, and politicians.
These are all people whose business product is Words. So obviously “Words matter” to them because their livelihood and status come from Words.
Therefore, we can conclude that “Words matter” to people who sell Words. Likewise, “Action speaks louder than words” to people who must deliver a product or service.
The ultimate conclusion to the debate may be that neither Action nor Words matter more because in our workplace, ultimately it is Money that matters.
As women we can’t allow ourselves to get sucked into the debate and into believing our Words have power that actually belongs to our Action. We have to recognize the limitations of our Words.
“Words don’t change the Truth.”
“Your actions speak so loud, I can’t hear what you are saying.”
We often use Words to create awareness about a problem. However, solving the problem requires Action. For this reason, women have to move beyond the stereotypes and take the Action that delivers a viable solution.
But we are hesitant to do so because we like that our Words to offer empathy and express our feelings. We like the stereotypical way we identify as women:
Men Act, Women Feel
So, to find our equality, we elevate Feelings which means we elevate the power of Words. We dismiss the old saying:
“Sticks and stones may break my bones,
but words will never hurt me.“
Today we use Words on social media to create emotional reactions and hurt people. This proves that “Words matter.”’ Our ability to use Words to effect other people makes us feel like we have power over them. So yes, in dysfunctional way “Words matter” and are mightier or at least more practical than sticks, stones or a sword if we want to hurt other people.
However, doing good and making positive change will always require us to put our Feelings and Words into Action.
Only through Action can we correct a situation and deliver Justice.
(Notice Justice is NOT blindfolded so she sees her scales and is ready to use her sword. She is ready to ACT.)
Contrary to our narratives and the stereotypes women have a long history of taking Action and improving civilization.
Our Action helped end slavery, expand voting rights, improve health and sanitary conditions, improve labor conditions, reduce childhood mortality, win wars and secure our equal rights.
Women’s Action is powerful.
It makes our workplace, community and society better.
That is why we need to be leery when someone tells us, “Words Matter.” We need to question if they trying to sell us something. Or are they trying to dissuade us from using the power of our Action?
Remember:
History books are written about the people who believe Action matters and recited by people who believe Words matter.
We need more women taking Action and making it into our history books.
Empowered Women Take Action
To learn more, watch this YouTube video: