Your choice of language holds significant influence in all your crucial discussions. Given the frequency of their use, the everyday small words and phrases at work can disproportionately affect your leadership capability.
Eliminate these six verbs from your vocabulary, and you’ll observe a noticeable increase in your power and confidence.
1. “Think”
The problem lies in the fact that using “think” doesn’t sound decisive. It weakens the impact of whatever comes after it. Essentially, it subtly implies that you are still considering the viewpoint you express – that you’re not entirely sure about it. In everyday conversation, “I think” is a casual expression that often goes unnoticed, but it’s advisable to avoid using it in a professional context. Instead, choose for affirming statements like “You’ve got a good idea” or “That’s an excellent proposal.” If you prefer to use a different verb, you could say, “I’m confident your plan will work!”
2. “Need”
Using the word “need” creates a sense of reliance on the speaker’s part, rather than emphasizing the team’s obligation and responsibility. For instance, when a vice president tells her subordinate, “I need you to do something for me,” it conveys a pleading tone rather than a sense of empowerment. In other words, using “I need” makes one sound needy. To sound more confident, it is better to replace it with assertive yet polite phrases such as, “Please ensure that you have this report ready for me by next Friday.”
3. “Want”
Using the word “want” carries a similar connotation to “need” as it implies that the speaker desires or lacks something. For example, if a boss tells a subordinate, “I want you to improve the quality of your work,” it suggests that the boss is not currently getting what they desire. However, a more effective approach to achieving the desired outcome is to present the facts instead: “Your work on this report needs to be of higher quality.” This places the responsibility on the employee.
Likewise, if you tell your boss, “I want a raise,” it conveys an emotional appeal and indicates a lack of confidence. It is better to combine a verb of conviction (“I believe” or “I’m convinced”) with your reasons: “I believe that my pay and performance over the past year present a strong case for a raise.”
4. “Guess”
Using the word “guessing” implies a sense of uncertainty. Instead of stating, “Our best guess is that our profit for year’s end will be marginally better than last year’s,” it’s more effective to convey, “We expect our profit for the year to exceed last year’s,” or “Our results should surpass last year’s.”
If you are uncertain about the results, it’s okay! Instead of “guess,” use the most confident expression possible without being dishonest or exaggerating.
5. “Hope”
Many leaders often initiate statements with “I hope,” such as “I hope we’ll get that sale” or “I hope you’ll be able to take on that assignment.” However, using “hope” doesn’t inspire confidence; it carries a sense of relying on chance, implying little control over the outcome.
Instead of expressing “hope” that a team will secure a client sale, convey, “I’m looking forward to a win,” or “I know you’ll give it your all.” These statements are far more empowering as they demonstrate confidence in your team’s capabilities rather than subtly questioning their future performance.
6. “Suppose”
You’re having coffee with a colleague who inquires about your attendance at an upcoming meeting, responding with “I suppose so” subtly communicates your lack of enthusiasm and engagement.
In professional settings, there’s no instance where conveying indifference and lack of initiative will enhance your influence or authority. Instead, find something to express your enthusiasm for, even if it’s not the meeting itself: “Yes, I’ll definitely be there–I want to hear what management has to say.” Even when speaking with a colleague, your choice of words matters. Information spreads quickly, and if your repeated phrases suggest a “don’t really care” attitude, it won’t be long before your reputation and influence start to decline.
