My entire life has been spent deeply immersed in words. I fell in love with reading at 4, filled diaries and journals for years, crafted poetry and songs , wrote articles, press releases and reports – so many words.

When I was 17, I first discovered that words and leadership are intertwined. We had a mediocre high school choir. For 15 years, it had failed to achieve any significant honors. The piano was out of tune, the backs of the seats were shredded, and the singers’ attitudes were lackluster.

Before school began, the three officers met. We had a vision: our choir was going to win sweepstakes, the highest honor we could achieve. Our choir director was mildly amused at our enthusiasm, but he went along with us.

First, we changed our environment. We asked our director to request a new piano. We bought cheap, colorful material and stapled it over the torn seats. We cleaned the room until it shone. We made welcome signs.

On day one, we cast the vision.

“This choir has not won sweepstakes in 15 years. It’s our turn. We will win sweepstakes this year. We’re going to work as hard as it takes, come early and stay late, add extra practices, take on the most challenging music, and sing all over the community. No matter what other groups you are a part of, this one will take precedence. Every waking moment, we will think about winning sweepstakes in March of next year.

We are taking on a nearly impossible task, but this group of singers is up to it. Are you with us?”

Every day for eight months, we used words like “winners,” “champions,” “talented,” “dedicated” and “the goal is in sight.” All the members began telling everyone on campus that we were going to win sweepstakes. The administration was so inspired, we got the new piano – and new choir seats, too.

All the parents got behind the vision; they baked, drove, raised money, came early and stayed late.

And in March, our choir won sweepstakes. The three officers who began the year with the vision were not surprised. Everyone else was shocked – and overjoyed.

How you talk about yourself, your team, your department and your company matters.

As the leader, it matters a million times more. Your words set the tone – in writing, in speeches, in casual hallway conversations and in formal meetings.

What is your organization’s or CEO’s language saying about you?