Don’t Say I: How to be a true leader starting
from how you speak
“Team” and “together” don’t have an “I” in them. That’s one of the best ways to remind leaders about the importance of teamwork. This cannot be stretched enough. Successful leaders know they are not working alone. They are a part of the team and they must inspire others with their leadership.
That’s why a true organizational leader in the 21st Century doesn’t use the word “I.” You don’t need it to express issues you may see or for saying what you think. You don’t even need it to enforce your authority as a leader. Heads up: If you must remind people that YOU are in charge… You’re doing something wrong.
Avoid the word
Instead of “I,” use other terms such as “we” or “us.” Also, in certain circumstances, you can just remove the pronoun. Instead of saying “I see an issue here” you can say “Isn’t it better if…?” If people see you’re a “me, myself, and I” type of person, your leadership will suffer. It will only be recognized as long as you recognize others.
Leadership is not only about the leader but about the leader and the followers working together. Using the term “I” indirectly imposes a top-down view that people may not like. Using other expressions says that you are leading for your team and not using them as mere pawns.
Avoid it when it undermines you
In general, saying “I” may feel like emphasizing your authority. However, on certain occasions, it weakens you. When you say “I think” or “I believe” it may show you don’t trust what you’re saying. Saying “I think” may suggest confidence issues. Self-assured individuals just say things. They don’t need to mark down that what they say is what they think. It’s redundant, self-doubting, and unnecessary. Throw it away.
Other moments to avoid it
“I can’t” is possibly the worst words that can come out of the mouth of a leader. It limits your actions, and it generates distrust in your leadership. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can others believe in you? How will they believe in the vision you have for the team? Don’t say “I can’t”, say “I will.”
“I don’t care” is another term to avoid at all costs. It means you don’t have empathy or that you don’t have an opinion. It shows a lack of regard and interest which is always negative for a leader. A leader must show interest in the ideas of his team to foster innovation and showing he is passionate about the plans he has for the organization.
Last but not least: “I’m in charge.” We mentioned it before: if you have to say to your team that you’re the leader, you’re not. Yes, there can be a moment or two when saying those words can be necessary, but avoid them as much as you can. Saying them to get people to do what you want is not the way to go. That means your crew is working from fear and not from motivation, and that’s not the best idea.
In conclusion
A good leader works with his team. Leadership is not about yourself but all your team. The perception your team will have from you is built based on what you say and what you do. If what your words indicate you only care about yourself, you’re going in the wrong direction. A good leader is a good communicator. To inspire your organization, start by changing the way you talk to your team.