16 August 2016

9 phrases a leader should never say

phrases a leader should never say

A true leader must guide his employees to success by always bringing out the best in them. Becoming a leader is no easy task: you must carefully measure what you do and say, because the performance of your team depends on it. That is why there are phrases a leader should never say.

Being a great leader is not just a matter of aptitude, but of attitude. A great leader is not only one who has outstanding knowledge and experience in his or her profession. It is also one whose consistency, motivation and dedication bring out the best in his or her team members.

Authentic leaders have the ability to know what to say and what not to say at any given moment. This skill is key to maximising their team's productivity, commitment, confidence and motivation.

Especially in times like this pandemic, with many employees working remotely and isolated because they are infected or in close contact.

Do you want to be a true leader and guide your team to success? Never utter these 9 phrases that a leader should never say and you will learn some of them first hand. differences between a leader and a boss.

Table of contents

“I am the boss”

No one likes their boss to be a tyrant or a dictator at work. Of course, your employees already know who's in charge, but reminding them in such an explicit way puts you in an unenviable position if you aim to maintain your team's appreciation.

“Because I say so”

A tyrannical boss is a boss that employees will always try to run from. Do not resolve an argument with this phrase as it shows a lack of communication on both sides. If you take their opinions into account, they will take yours into account.

“That's not my problem”

La Empathy is key In a true leader, and even more so in times of pandemic such as the present, when teleworking in companies that carry it out means not being in the work environment, but rather isolated. Without it, trust with your employees will never be complete.

If a member of your team has a problem related to their work, you have the responsibility to find a solution. Don't shelter behind an “that's not my problem” and focus on a “let's see how we can resolve it”.

9 phrases a leader should never say

“Here, things are done as they always have been done”

Only leaders who are unable to look ahead, adapt to new times, and innovate will say this. Are you one of them? If not, you are surely capable of listening to and valuing your team's ideas. Change this phrase to “here we will do things in the best possible way”.

«I can't”

This sentence demonstrates a limitation that a true leader should not have. There are no limits if we believe we can. So the “I can't...” must disappear from our vocabulary to make way for a “How can I...?”. This inspires a creative and innovative attitude, key characteristics of great leaders.

«It's nothing personal”

Work is as personal as any other aspect of our lives. Again, empathy with your team is key, as personal relationships at work are inevitable, even necessary. Everything is personal, don't forget it.

“I'm not paying you to think.”

Your employees are not automatons, and you certainly need them to think. It's the only way to achieve objectives, improve processes, and move forward as a company. This statement is damning for an employee committed to their work, as it implies their involvement is not valuable. It is another of those phrases a leader should never utter.

“I don't care”

This phrase denotes a lack of opinion or commitment to the set objectives. In short, indifference. Naturally, an indifferent leader will never be a great leader. A true one, an example of Democratic leadership, cares and is interested in the opinions of its employees and pays attention to details, no matter how small.

«You're lucky to be working here.”

This phrase implies that the boss is doing the employee a favour by allowing them to work with them. Do you think your employee isn't good enough to work on your team? Motivate him and turn the tables.

Every now and then, it’s good to give them a pat on the back and tell them how lucky you are to have them on board day-to-day. Without a doubt, motivating them will always boost their confidence in you within the team.

These are just 9 of the phrases a leader should never say. I'm sure you can think of some more. And remember, Speaking positively is always more effective. To get your employees committed to the objectives. If you do, rest assured that the results will come.

Edenred Spain