Have you ever noticed how the most inspiring leaders speak?
Their words carry confidence, clarity, and purpose, leaving no doubt about their vision or intentions.
It’s not just what they say but how they say it that sets them apart. The truth is, the way we speak has a huge impact on how others perceive us—and on how we perceive ourselves.
If you want to start speaking like a true leader, it’s not about memorizing fancy phrases or sounding overly formal.
It’s about eliminating the habits and language that undermine your authority and replacing them with words that inspire trust and respect.
Let’s explore seven common phrases that could be holding you back—and what to say instead to elevate your communication.
1) “I can’t”
Leadership is all about inspiring confidence and motivation in others. A key part of this is demonstrating your own self-belief and resilience.
The phrase “I can’t” is problematic because it shows a lack of determination and a readiness to give up. It sends a message to your team that you lack the ability or the will to find a solution.
Now, let’s be clear. This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be superhuman. No one is expecting you to have all the answers or be able to do everything.
But instead of saying “I can’t”, try phrases like “Let’s find a way” or “We’ll work it out”. These alternatives convey a positive, problem-solving attitude and show that you’re ready to take on challenges.
Remember, as a leader, your words carry weight. They can set the tone for your team and shape how they approach their work. So choose them wisely.
2) “That’s not my job”
This is a phrase that I used to utter quite often early in my career. Anytime a task fell outside of my job description, I’d quickly shrug it off with a dismissive, “That’s not my job.”
But as I took on leadership roles, I realized the harm this phrase was doing.
It not only demonstrated a lack of flexibility and teamwork but also made me appear uncommitted to the overall goals of the organization.
In leadership, it’s crucial to show a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges.
You want to show your team that you’re invested in the shared mission and willing to do what it takes to succeed.
So instead of saying “That’s not my job,” try responding with, “Let’s see how we can solve this together” or “I’ll do what I can to help.”
It’s a small change in language that can make a big difference in perception.
3) “I already know that”
In the world of leadership, there’s a term known as the “curse of knowledge.”
It’s a cognitive bias where individuals who are more knowledgeable assume that everyone else has the same level of understanding.
This can lead to poor communication and misunderstanding.
When you say “I already know that”, you’re shutting down learning opportunities and creating a barrier between you and your team.
It can also make others feel inferior or hesitant to share their ideas and insights.
A real leader values continuous learning and is open to new ideas, no matter where they come from.
A better route would be to say, “That’s a great point, let’s explore it further” or “Can you tell me more?”
This not only keeps the lines of communication open, but it also fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and learning.
4) “It’s not my fault”
We’ve all faced situations where things didn’t go as planned. It’s a natural instinct to defend ourselves and shift the blame to others.
But as a leader, this phrase can be detrimental.
Saying “It’s not my fault” can come off as defensive and unaccountable. It sends a message that you’re not willing to take responsibility for any mistakes or mishaps.
True leaders acknowledge their mistakes, take responsibility for them, and use them as opportunities to learn and grow. They understand that every setback is a chance to improve.
The better choice of phrase here is simple — anything that shows you own up to what went wrong, like “Here’s what happened, and here’s what I’ll do to address it.”
It’s a simple shift that demonstrates accountability and a proactive mindset, both hallmarks of effective leadership.
5) “I’m too busy”
I remember a time when my calendar was so packed that I barely had time to breathe. During this period, “I’m too busy” became my go-to phrase.
But over time, I realized that this phrase was creating a barrier between me and my team.
When you say “I’m too busy”, it can make your team feel like they’re not a priority. It sends a message that their issues or concerns are not important enough for your time.
Leadership is about being there for your team, making time to listen to their ideas, concerns, and challenges. It’s about showing them that they are valued and their input matters.
So instead of saying “I’m too busy,” try saying, “I’ll make time for this” or “Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss this further.” It’s a great way to show your team that you’re making an effort to prioritize them and their concerns.
6) “That’s impossible”
This phrase is a creativity and motivation killer.
When faced with a challenge, saying “That’s impossible” can immediately shut down any potential solutions or innovative thinking. It sends a message of defeat before even attempting to tackle the problem.
As a leader, it’s your job to inspire your team and encourage them to think outside the box. Challenges are opportunities for growth and innovation, not dead ends.
So why not switch to something inspiring? Phrases like “Let’s explore all possible solutions” or “We can find a way.” are much better.
You’re the first stop for their motivation and drive, so make sure your words keep the momentum going.
7) “That’s the way we’ve always done it”
In a rapidly evolving world, this phrase can be the death knell for innovation and progress.
Sticking to outdated practices simply because “that’s the way we’ve always done it” can hinder creativity and prevent your team from finding new and improved ways of doing things.
Great leaders know the importance of adaptability and are always open to change. They encourage their teams to challenge the status quo and look for better solutions.
So, instead of holding on to old methods, try saying “Let’s find a better way” or “I’m open to new ideas.” This encourages a culture of continuous improvement, which is vital for any successful organization.
Final reflection
Speaking like a true leader starts with being mindful of the words you use. By letting go of these seven phrases, you can communicate more clearly, confidently, and effectively.
Small changes in your language can make a big difference in how others see you and how you see yourself.
So, start practicing today—because the way you speak is a powerful tool for leadership.
