Actions speak louder than words
Through my years of working with non-profits, companies and government agencies, I've always lived by one principle: actions speak louder than words.
It shows your worth, that your words mean something, that you're dependable and ready to take action when needed.
Sadly, those we turn to for help and support are often the ones too busy talking and never walking.
There's a term in marketing called "throw-away lines". It's a tagline that you say at the end of an advert, a marketing pitch and it's supposed to show that you're serious about certain issues or a product, but, in reality, it's far from the truth.
Have you ever watched a betting ad on TV? You have a loud voice that says "YOU CAN TRIPLE YOUR ODDS AND MAKE MORE MONEY THIS WEEKEND. DOWNLOAD OUR APP. GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY."
There's that throw-away line of "gambling responsibly". It gives the betting company comfort that if someone blows their lives away on their app, that they warned you to gamble responsibly. In reality, it's a throw-away line. The betting company wants you to gamble and lose so they can make money. We all know that. We're not idiots.
ABC opinion writer Charles Livingstone nailed this issue on the head with his piece 'Gamble responsibly' is an ad, not a deterrent.
It's similar to when there is an awful mass shooting in the US. What's that throw-away line? Thoughts and prayers? It's a throw-away line that holds no sentiment anymore. The government would rather you send thoughts and prayers than tackle the serious issue of gun ownership and reform. Just saying the words "thoughts and prayers" is an insult to the families who lose their loved ones.
It doesn't stop there, charities are also the latest to fall victim to this form of "throw-away" marketing. Especially around taboo subjects that are best swept under the rug and not discussed. Let's talk about mental health.
The website Australian Counselling has recently released a list of the Top 30 Mental Health Organisations in Australia targeted at those charities who are tackling mental health, anxiety, depression, suicide and domestic violence.
The one thing that all 30 charities had in common? Their call to action.
"Call Lifeline on..."
"Visit beyondblue.org.au for information..."
So here are 30 charities doing... what exactly? Accepting donations and passing the buck?
"We're concerned about your mental health. If you want to read about it, click here. If you want some help, call someone else."
The media are also guilty of this as well. "Here is a tragic story of a family left devastated by domestic violence. Call Lifeline."
The biggest shame of that list was the fact that there are charities out there doing hard work on the ground to look after disadvantaged and homeless young people, suicide survivors and domestic violence sufferers, but there's no mention of them in the article. Only charities who "educate" rather than "work to eradicate".
But hey, it's easier to tell someone to gamble responsibly, send thoughts and prayers and tell someone who has suicidal thoughts to call a number than to actually make a difference where it matters: there and then.
Actions speak louder than words. We all need to stop saying and start doing.
An experience Business Development Manager/Production Planner/Sales Manager. A Team leader who enjoys the challenge .
6 年Very True
Educator & Facilitator in evolving strong leadership skills \ Managing \ Building Thriving Culture
6 年A good wake-up call, Adam. I agree, actions speak louder than words; perhaps it is a case of the nature of the action you speak of. Mental health is such a broad term. Having reminders of possible 'help' is important. Access to that help, while it is advertised to be there, is often delayed or obstructed by having a whole string of numbers to call or questions to answer to see whether you qualify!!
Director, Sales, NFP, Family Office
6 年I do agree that there could be more charities who are on ground “doing” and not just educating listed on the Australian Counselling but let’s not discredit what great work those who are listed do in the mental health space. Yes, most are educational but where would we be without research, education and advocacy work of some of those 30 charities? You talk about less talk and more action and I agree wholeheartedly that in this space more action is required ( I would also add some more clarity around where to go for what type of situation one may be dealing with) but having said that, lumping in “call Lifeline” into the same category as “gamble responsibly” is unfair in my view. Lifeline provides an extremely important service (an action) taking a call every 30 or so seconds 24 hours a day. Therefore, the notion that it’s a simple throw away comment just doesn’t resonate with me personally.
MBA | Wellness-Centred Leadership Coach ??Empowering Growth Through Wellness ??????????
6 年Perhaps the charities are more about making money than being charitable. It certainly seems that way sometimes.