Brett's Lesson to All of Us

As news unraveled about Brett Favre’s decision to come out of retirement, one could see the shaking of heads as they pondered Brett’s inability to make a decision and stick with it. Others are thrilled and distraught at the options. The pedestal on which we have placed Packer player Brett was due to his football playing skills but it was also enhanced by his down-to earth manner, likeability and integrity. You just trusted him. So, how did you feel when you heard the news?

Everyone has the right to change their mind, celebrities included. The lesson here is to take a look at the jolt of not keeping your word can cause in the minds of others.

When someone does not keep their word, it invokes an emotional reaction in others. It may be disappointment, hurt, betrayal, or it might be joy and happiness, in either instance, it creates a change from the original expectations that had been set. It is that change that evokes emotions. When emotions are involved, there’s a ripple effect of subconscious judgments made in our minds. A few tips for noncelebrities to help us in “keeping our word” .

* Think before your speak, ponder all the pros and cons
* Leave yourself an ‘out’ when appropriate.
* Once given, be committed to your word

For that rare instance, when you need to change “your word””
· Don’t take it lightly
· Be considerate in what a change will mean to others
· Have facts that justify your change
· Use humor when appropriate to ease the transition
· Be humble – we’re only human. Things change.


- - - - -
"Be careful of the words you speak, to keep them soft & sweet,
you never know from time to time which ones you’ll have to eat." au