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Many of our conversations about leadership revolve around the who and what. Who is making decisions? What are their key ideas? But just as important is the how — how you present your ideas and communicate with your team. And that ultimately comes down to language.
People tend to underestimate the power of language. As anyone’s who’s received a passive-aggressive email knows, tone and diction play huge roles in how we develop relationships. To excel in a leadership role, you must be aware that language shapes our reality. So the question is, what do you want to cultivate with the words you use? Let’s explore several key principles for speaking like a leader.
Effect Matters More than Intent
The meaning of what we say depends on how it’s received. We may intend to say something inspiring or authoritative but have it come off as flippant or bossy. Or, we don’t speak clearly, which opens a door to misunderstanding.
Language is communication, which means we must be aware of our audience. You know this is true from marketing, but it applies to your leadership as well!
That’s why leaders must be precise in their language. When you use “weasel words” or make vague statements, you contribute to miscommunication. The effect of your words…
