How to speak like a leader (8 Powerful Phrases)

“A brave leader is someone who says I see you. I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to keep listening and asking questions.” –  Brené Brown

Why it works

Brené Brown (pictured) is an American academic, author, and speaker. She has spent over two decades studying the interplay of vulnerability, shame and leadership. Brown has authored six #1 New York Times bestselling books, and her 2010 talk, The Power of Vulnerability, remains one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time.

In her book Dare to Lead, Brown offers a practical roadmap for building strong teams. She challenges outdated leadership models based on control and authority. Instead, she advocates for building trust, fostering psychological safety, and inspiring action. According to Brown, the most effective leaders communicate with vulnerability and authenticity, paving the way for open dialogue and shared success.

Brown’s work highlights the power of communication in leadership. It shows that words can truly make or break a team. Bosses may use language to overpower, control, or direct. Leaders use it to empower, support, and guide. Here are 8 powerful phrases great leaders use to build strong teams.

How to do it

1) “I trust your judgment"
Leaders express trust to build confidence and autonomy. Unlike bosses who insist on being in control and having it their way, leaders inspire ownership, drive growth, and thus cultivate the next generation of capable leaders.

2) “Let’s learn from this”
Leaders foster learning and resilience to turn mistakes into growth opportunities. Unlike bosses who have a low tolerance for setbacks, leaders see them as valuable lessons that strengthen their team and prepare them for future challenges.

3) “How can I support you?”
Leaders are committed to their team’s success. Unlike bosses who leave people to struggle, leaders ensure everyone has the knowledge, resources and tools to overcome obstacles.

4) “Thank you for your efforts”
Leaders validate hard work by expressing gratitude and value. Unlike bosses who see effort as an obligation, leaders recognize contributions to inspire continued excellence and build a culture where people feel appreciated and motivated.

5) “I believe in you”
Leaders inspire confidence and motivation by showing their belief in their team members. Unlike bosses who demand proof of worth, leaders see potential and build trust, enabling people to stretch their abilities and succeed.

6) “Let’s solve this together”
Leaders tackle challenges collaboratively to promote teamwork and shared responsibility. Unlike bosses who avoid responsibility, leaders empower their team by solving problems together and creating a sense of unity in achieving goals.

7) “What are your thoughts?”
Leaders encourage input and collaboration. Unlike bosses who dictate decisions, leaders welcome insights and ideas from everyone to improve results, ensure inclusivity, and strengthen a sense of ownership.

8) “Great job on that”
Leaders acknowledge achievements to boost morale and motivation. Unlike bosses who always demand more, leaders celebrate success to inspire continued effort and show their team that their hard work is noticed and appreciated.

The right words have the power to shape others.

Master your words, master your leadership.

And please share this post with someone who might benefit from doing the same.

Until next week,
Christian

1 more way I can help you

Are you struggling to focus on the important work being busy with urgent stuff? Are you feeling tired throughout the day despite sleeping for 7 or 8 hours at night? Are you having trouble dealing with high stress at work – and “switching it off” at home?

If so, check out our new Becoming Ultraproductive 1:1 coaching program.In it, I help executives, entrepreneurs and CEOs increase their productivity by up to 10x — by building rock-solid habits for deep focus, deep sleep, and mastering stress.

That way, I’ve coached 70+ executives, entrepreneurs and CEOs on Becoming Ultraproductive since 2023. The program includes:

• 6 individualized one-on-one coaching sessions with me over 12 weeks

• Tailor-made habit systems to optimize your focus, sleep and stress

• A guaranteed 100% increase in productivity (not kidding)

Interested? Learn more and book a free discovery call here while you can. I’m only taking on 10 clients at a time and seats are booking fast.

PS: Interested in sponsorships for my newsletter and LinkedIn post?

Get in touch with me here.