As a kid, I always loved going through long tunnels, big valley’s, caves, etc. There were many reasons why these were fun, but one thing I loved to do was to yell something really loud and wait for the echo to repeat my words! Yes, I was easily entertained as a kid.
What was a fun experience as a kid in a tunnel, hasn’t been that fun as a boss, pastor, and adult in general. I found out that you don’t need to drive to a special place to experience the “echo”, because all day long you can hear the “echos” from those around you
I surf through social media and there it is… “The Echo!” I get a knock on my office door and soon I’m experiencing… “The Echo!” I hear “The Echo!” on the news, spoken in line at Starbucks, in church, and YES, even in my own conversations, “The Echo” has made itself mainstream!
Then there is “The Voice!” When you run across it, you know it because something inside of you takes a double take! Why, because it is the real thing. It’s like looking at photos of cheesecake all day and then all of a sudden there is an actual beautiful slice of cheesecake in front of you! It is completely different. It has substance.
As a kid I enjoyed the Echo, but never realized that the power was in the Voice. Without the Voice, there is no Echo! The power of the Echo is in the Voice! The Voice acts; the Echo just reacts.
The Echo is everywhere because I t is so much easier being an Echo! The Echo doesn’t have to do the research or take responsibility for its content. The Echo can take credit if others like what it is repeating; but can pass the blame on to the Voice if others don’t like its content.
The truth is, however, that although it may feel safer and like a smart shortcut to be an “Echo”; you are not fooling anyone. It is the “Voices” who get promoted and given bigger platforms of influence. When talking to your manager, don’t be the office “echo”. You lose credibility when the boss can pick out who you have been talking to in the office by the topics, manuerisms, phrases, etc. you use.
It is a much different experience when you take in what you hear, but instead of echoing it, you actually ponder, evaluate, think of possible reasons and solutions and then put into your own words.
I raised my boys and taught my up and coming leaders that if you have been invited to be a member of a team, or attend a meeting , or participate in a workgroup, etc. it is because they want to hear your “Voice”, and your “Voice” has a place at the table. Don’t sit there silent and just nod your head. When given the opportunity to speak, don’t just echo the opinion of others.
It is okay (advisable) to listen to a lot of other voices and opinions, read a lot of books, etc. but know WHY you believe what you believe. When you speak, don’t let other voices fall out of your mouth! Take it all in, wrestle with it, make a decision about what in your unique experiences, knowledge and understanding makes the most sense to you; and let YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.
Leaders have a Voice; not just an Echo.
What do YOU have to say?
-Russell