Sometimes the perfect remedy for dealing with team related conflict is at the tip of your tongue. Meaning what you say can set the tone for better team relations. Below are several phrases remarkable leaders share with their employees daily. Share these phrases regularly and watch your team success explode.
1. “I believe in you.”
What a difference faith in people can have in making change happen. Build up someone’s self-esteem can make the difference between average and above average behavior. It may be hard to not control a team member at every turn, but if you give them a chance to rise to the occasion, you will observe a more motivated team. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “The best leader is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
2. “This is why it matters…”
Exceptional leaders are able to help people connect big-picture goals to daily activities. CEO and president of Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson found this to be the biggest key to success in her career: “Great leaders motivate and inspire people with why they’re doing it,” she says. “That’s purpose. And that’s the key to achieving something truly transformational.”
As you delegate responsibilities to your team, take the time out in each instance to explain “why”. It will help to foster a sense of belonging and cultivate their need to do meaningful work.
3. “What are your thoughts?”
Many times the best insights come from the most unexpected people. Stellar managers seek advice from everyone regardless of title because they understand that ego gets in the way of innovation. Take time to check in with your team and request their input on team related matters. It will make them feel valued.
4. “Let’s focus on your strengths.”
Warren Bennis, a renowned author and scholar on leadership, found that “Too many companies believe people are interchangeable. Truly gifted people never are. They have unique talents.” He says, “Such people cannot be forced into roles they are not suited for, nor should they be. Effective leaders allow great people to do the work they were born to do.”
It is so easy to point out people’s weaknesses. While sometimes a weakness needs to be developed to accomplish a goal, a weakness may never completely go away. So, as you coach your team to better performance, balance your development efforts by nurturing their strengths too. It may be easier to play to their strengths than trying to change them completely.
5. “Let me know if you have any questions.”
You would be surprised at how many people don’t feel comfortable asking questions. Some believe asking questions conveys a certain sense of inadequacy. Rid that mindset and make it clear to your team that you have an open door policy and no questions will be turned away. Make them understand the sooner questions are addressed, the more equipped they will be to accomplish the tasks at hand.
6. “What can you do differently next time?”
As Arianna Huffington wisely suggests, the best teacher is a mistake. “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes,” she says. “Understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”
No one can make the claim they have never made a mistake. If you are alive, it is inevitable. The key to turning mistakes into a good thing is to make it a learning moment. As a leader, don’t pretend the mistake didn’t occur. Acknowledge the error but also take the time to share lessons learned and what can be done next time to avoid the same outcomes.
7. “How can I better support you?”
If you serve and equip your team, they will want to do the same for you and your organization. That’s why it is wise to take the time to ask team members about their workload and how you can help them succeed. Ask this question at your next one-on-one session.
8. “Great work.”
Sharing praise is more cost effective than implementing game rooms and throwing pizza parties. Cushy perks will never replace a good old-fashion thank you or motivational phrase that makes someone aware they are doing something well and it is appreciated.
What motivational phrases have you used or heard in the workplace? Comment below and share your ideas.
