As I evaluate my own role as a leader I have been noticing the way I speak. So much is portrayed in body language but even more in the way we say things which may be innocent. I am not ashamed to say I have used these phrases in the past. My challenge is to use these phrases more in the future. I read this article (noted below) during the week. Here is some of the main points.
Some key phrases I must change:
- Because I said so.
Great leadership means building a culture of collaboration and connection, creativity and communication. Relying on authority shuts all those things down.
Instead: “How do we want to tackle this?”
- Who do you think you are?
Great leaders foster feelings of empowerment and engagement in their team, so everyone can reap the benefits of shared ideas and thoughts. There’s no room for ridicule or belittlement.
Instead: “What do you think?”
- It’s not my fault.
To be a great leader means you accept the consequences for your own actions as well as the actions of others. There’s an up side: Your leadership gains credibility.
Instead: “The buck stops here.”
- I don’t need any help.
Leadership is all about teamwork, collaboration, making everyone feel included and inspired. The best use of your time is mentoring, guiding, and leading others to succeed.
Instead: “We’ll do it together.”
- I don’t care.
Great leaders always care. When you express apathy, even about a small point, those around you have very little reason to stay invested.
Instead: “Let’s think this through.”
- I’m too busy.
We all make time for things that matter to us. When you set a priority for yourself, you set it for your team as well.
Instead: “I’ll find the time.”
- Failure is not an option.
Sure, success is important, but failure is not the enemy of success. Failure can teach valuable lessons–and those who are afraid to fail will build a culture that rewards bland, safe choices.
Instead: “Be bold. Take risks. Always learn.”
For further reading on this please read the full article by Lolly Daskal.
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