9 Phrases Top Leaders NEVER Say & What They Say Instead

Career · Leadership

By Feras Asakrieh · 5 min read · Issue #02

Effective leadership is about more than just making decisions. It is also about how you communicate. Sometimes the phrases we casually throw around can actually weaken our authority and influence. Here are nine phrases that top leaders avoid and what you should say instead.

1. "To be honest." Using this phrase makes others wonder: what about everything else you said? By implying that what you are saying now is more truthful than before, you risk casting doubt on your previous words. Speak directly. There is no need for qualifiers.

2. "Trust me." Asking someone to trust you puts the focus on the request, not on the relationship or your actions. Trust is something you build over time, not something you demand in a sentence. Demonstrate your reliability through your work, your follow-through, and your transparency.

3. "Sorry to bother you." This phrase diminishes your power and comes across as passive. Be confident in your requests. Say "I need your input on something" or "Let us discuss this when you have a moment." Own the conversation.

4. "Let me check and get back to you." While it is okay not to have all the answers right away, this phrase can signal you were not prepared. Say instead: "I will gather the necessary details and update you by Friday." It shows you have thought things through and are organized.

5. "I am not sure." This implies hesitation and uncertainty. Instead say: "I will look into that and follow up with you shortly." It shows proactivity and leadership.

6. "Can I get your feedback?" Be specific instead. "I would love your thoughts on how I can improve this approach" or "Can you help me identify areas where I can do better?" Take control of your growth and ask for actionable advice.

7. "I have not heard back from you." This can come off as passive-aggressive. Keep it professional: "Just following up on my previous message" or "I wanted to check in with you on this." It keeps the conversation open without applying pressure.

8. "TBD." Leaving things as to be determined creates uncertainty and a lack of accountability. Set deadlines and offer clarity: "We will finalize this by Friday." Being clear and decisive ensures your team knows when things will be wrapped up.

9. "I told you so." This is condescending and damages relationships. Say instead: "Let us analyze what we can learn from this situation."

The words we use as leaders say a lot about us, whether we know it or not. Replace these weak phrases with more confident, direct alternatives and you will project the kind of leadership that inspires trust and respect.

Connect with Feras

9 Phrases Top Leaders Never Say and What They Say Instead

Subscribe to the Newsletter