‘Words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than ignore the mess they leave when they fall’. – Jodi Picoult, Salem Falls.
It is said that a leader’s task is to persuade people to perform to the best of their ability so that they can work towards a common goal, be it on their own or as part of a team. And the tool leaders use to motivate their teams? Words.
Like smells, tastes, and music can conjure certain emotions in a heartbeat, words elicit immediate and powerful reactions. Smart leaders understand this part of the human psyche and effectively harness language as a way of influencing and inspiring their teams.
According to Darelene Price, the author of Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results, great leaders understand the power of positive language in motivating their teams and use simple, effective phrases, such as ‘I’d like to know what you think’, ‘Together we can’, and ‘How can I help?’ Effective leaders also thank and praise their teams – and mean it.
Price highlights a few phrases that smart leaders would never use. These include: ‘I’m the boss’, ‘You are lucky to have a job here’, or ‘I know that; I have thought of everything’.
In an article titled, The Leadership Guide to Choosing The Right Words, Jeff Boss drills down into something as basic as how using the contracted version of words can create negative connotations. Words such as “can’t”, “won’t” and “shouldn’t” can all be given a positive spin when used in their original form. For instance, ‘We can’t make our targets, because…’ becomes ‘We can make our targets if…’
Boss also suggests using simple language. ‘There is no need to use a fifty dollar word when a dollar will suffice’, he quips, arguing that using simple language “humanises” leaders. But, as with all word choices, there is a fine line between keeping it simple and talking down.
In 6 Ways to Talk Like a Leader, Brian Evje says leaders need to understand that leadership language is focused and requires verbal discipline. ‘Your speech should advance your leadership, not undermine it’, he reasons.
Smart leaders know exactly what they want, they think before they speak and they pay attention to the words they use. They understand the importance of preparation and rehearse what they are going to say – and how they are going to deliver it – before any leadership event.
Evje also suggests using the word “but” carefully as it negates any positive intentions that went before it. ‘Often “but” signals that whatever came before is not wholly valid’, he notes, and can result in the leader’s sincerity being questioned.
Evje cautions using too many superlatives, as they dilute true meaning. ‘When too much is described as “amazing”, “awesome”, “unbelievable”, “epic”, or “incredible” very little actually is’, he says.
What should effective leaders be saying?
1. We know where we are going – and you are with us
‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way’. – John C. Maxwell.
No matter how tough times are, good leaders always have an end goal in sight, and they know what to do to get there. They operate by a clear set of values and ethical guidelines. They are dispersers of hope and they share their vision with their staff.
2. Let’s take hands and work together
Great leaders understand that success can only be achieved when everyone in the organisation works together.
3. Tell us what you think
Great leaders understand the value of engaging their staff members, asking for their opinions, and then actually implementing their suggestions.
4. Well done and thank you
Great leaders give recognition where it is due and thank their staff for their contributions.
It is therefore important for a leader to be aware that their words and phrases have a direct influence on how their team members will respond and, ultimately, determine the overall success of team and the organisation.
By paying a little more attention to the language we use and the way we engage with our staff members could mean the difference between connecting in a meaningful way and touching their hearts, or alienating them.
Lara Theron
Sources
http://www.businessinsider.com/successful-leaders-never-say-these-things-2014-9
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffboss/2015/10/02/the-leadership-guide-to-choosing-the-right-words/#477f103c2618
https://www.inc.com/brian-evje/six-ways-to-talk-like-a-leader.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidsturt/2015/11/13/5-phrases-the-best-leaders-use-repetitively-and-the-1-they-never-say/#12fab52f7828