What good leaders don’t say. (And what you should say instead)
Leaders, words are important.
Instead of …, say ….:
It’s not why haven’t you done this — it’s how can I help
It’s not failure is not an option — it’s what’s next if we fail
It’s not we’ve always done it that way — it’s tell me more
It’s not nice job — it’s you were so patient with that customer today, I admire that
It’s not that’s not my job — it’s let’s figure this out together
It’s not I was right — it’s {silence}
It’s not what’s wrong with you — it’s what’s wrong with me
It’s not I don’t have time — it’s I always make time when it’s important
It’s not I’m in charge — it’s let’s weigh out our next moves together
It’s not I did it — it’s we did it
It’s not keep doing what you’re doing — it’s your copywriting on that campaign has been incredible
It’s not I can’t talk right now — it’s I’m in the middle of something now can we chat at 3
It’s not that’s not important — it’s tell me what concerns you about this
It’s not leave your personal life at home — it’s is there anything bothering you
If you’ve ever found yourself saying any phrases on the left-hand side, you’re not alone. These are common.
But they leave teams feeling:
Unheard
Unappreciated
Disengaged
Words matter.
