CHAPTER 3

Naming

We live and lead in language

Whether we know it or not

There’s a big idea in this chapter. At its simplest, we need to use language well as leaders. At its most profound, everything we do — relating, thinking, knowing, holding hope, and bringing change — is created and mediated in language. That’s a big idea.

My friend David Jones and I call this big idea naming.[1] Here, in a few short sentences, is what we mean. Take your time with them:

We shape reality with language whether we know it or not. We can bring truth and strength to our own lives and to others’ through our words. New words may not change anything. But nothing ...

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