Choosing Your Words Wisely
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As
everyone knows by now, last Saturday, Todd Gilliland got his first win in the
Gander Outdoor Truck Series.
Congratulations Todd. It’s always
good to see a first-time winner. It was
a long time in coming and some folks’ eyes, especially your truck owner, Kyle
Busch, long overdue. Hopefully, now that you have kicked the door open, you
will find yourself going through it many times in the future, be it at this
level or beyond.
Now
about that post-race language.
Yes,
it had to sting when your car owner called you and teammate Harrison Burton
out, comparing your results to excrement.
That’s understandable. I think
anyone would be upset if in your position.
To be criticized like that would be tough to take, if done in private. To be publicly called out like had to be
painful.
To
finally get that win... The release of emotion and feeling of vindication is
understandable.
If,
after getting that win after your performance behind the wheel had been
described by your boss as excrement, didn’t elicit a “take this, in your face”
response, folks would have been surprised.
If I were in your shoes, I’m not sure I could have let the moment go
without saying something.
Just
not sure it would have been that. There
may have been a better way. If you are
going to sound off like you did, remember, your choice of words is
crucial.
Now
that you’ve gotten your first win, hopefully more wins will be in your
future. With more wins, comes more
attention, more opportunities to speak, and more people listening. As you go forward, remember to pick your
words carefully. Be yourself but choose
your words carefully.
In
the meantime, remember three names-Mike Helton, Richard Petty and Kyle
Busch. Each NASCAR figure has provided
the perfect responses for any driver in nearly any situation.
“The
Boss” Mike Helton… “It is what it is”
“The
King” Richard Petty… “Just one of those racing deals.”
“Your
Boss” Kyle Busch… “I’m not surprised by anything. Congratulations.”
Kyle’s
words were added as his
seven-second post-race interview, after he finished second in the 2017
Coca-Cola 600. Priceless.
The
beauty of these quotes is they can be used individually or in combination to
address almost anything you are going to encounter.
When
your boss called you and Harrison out the way he did, a classy Mike Helton and
Richard Petty combo would have been a nice counter. Fans know exactly what you meant. Keeps you on the high road.
When
your boss had issues at Las Vegas a few weeks ago with Garrett Smithley,
Garrett could have used all three, minus “Congratulations” to make it “It is
what it is; just one of those racing deals.
Nothing surprises me.” That pretty much covers it. Didn’t need to say anything else. Now after the Kansas Xfinity racing deal,
Garrett was pretty much on his own. I’m
not sure anything really covers that but those words, when used properly can
help you as you go forward. The way you
use them, volume, inflection, delivery makes them yours and sends an
unmistakable message.
Also
remember these words, (slightly modified) from that great singer, songwriter
Jim Croce when he so wisely advised that
“...
you don't tug on superman's cape
You
don't spit into the wind
You
don't pull the mask off that old lone ranger
And
you don't diss boss Kyle after a win”
So
as you finish out the season and prepare for the next, just remember these
three names-Mike Helton, Richard Petty and Kyle Busch. Their words can help... especially if you
find yourself on the outside looking in for 2020.
“It
is what it is; just one of those racing deals.
I’m not surprised by anything.”
Good
luck!