I used to say all 10 of these, and my leadership suffered.
Then I learned better.
The words you speak shape your future.
Simple changes make a huge impact.
Some leaders instantly earn respect.
While others... quickly get shut down.
It's not luck.
It's not status.
It's not even expertise.
It's our communication.
10 simple word swaps that earn trust, courtesy of Adi Agrawal:
1/ "Let me play devil's advocate..." ❌
↳ (People brace for an argument)
"I'm curious about the other side..." ✅
↳ (People lean in to listen)
2/ "I could be wrong, but..." ❌
↳ (You plant seeds of doubt)
"Here's what I've noticed..." ✅
↳ (Shows you pay attention)
3/ "This might be a dumb question..." ❌
↳ (Sets others up to judge you)
"I'd like to understand..." ✅
↳ (Shows that you think critically)
4/ "Does that make sense?" ❌
↳ (Makes you sound unsure of yourself)
"What are your thoughts on this?" ✅
↳ (Shows that you value their input)
5/ "Sorry for taking your time..." ❌
↳ (Signals your time is less valuable)
"Thanks for connecting on this..." ✅
↳ (Exchanges mutual respect)
6/ "I'll try to get it done..." ❌
↳ (Leaves a way out)
"You'll have it by..." ✅
↳ (Shows confidence in your ability)
7/ "I'm not sure if this is right..." ❌
↳ (Broadcasts you are uncertain)
"Here's what the data shows..." ✅
↳ (Allows facts to speak for you)
8/ "I'm no expert, but..." ❌
↳ (Signals you're not qualified)
"From my experience..." ✅
↳ (Shows you're secure)
9/ "Just checking in..." ❌
↳ (Sounds like you're tiptoeing)
"I'm following up on..." ✅
↳ (Shows you're on top of things)
10/ "Kind of" or "Sort of" ❌
↳ (Weakens your entire statement)
"I believe..." [then state your point] ✅
↳ (Shows you mean what you say)
Leaders act now.
Figure out which ones you need to swap.
What was your swap?👇
Mine was "Just checking in..."↓
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