12 Phrases Transformational Leaders Use To Get Amazing Results
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Words have weight. Do you want to engage deeply with your employees? Here are a dozen simple phrases that can be used to kick-start your leadership transformation. The goal is to increase engagement, foster healthy communication, and create a safety culture where everyone thrives. Are these phrases in your current management repertoire?
1. I need your help.
Asking for help is often mistakingly thought of as a sign of weakness. Actually, the opposite is true. When you ask for help, it's a sign of leadership and confidence. When a manager refuses to ask for any assistance, it actually shows the insecurities and hubris of that person. Real transformational leaders know that they can earn their team's respect by asking for their contributions to the task at hand.
2. May I help you?
Don't assume that your team members will just come straight out and ask for help. We are still working against a culture that equates asking for help with weakness. As a transformational leader, it's up to you to make it clear that there is a culture of learning and growth in your organization.
3. I understand that...
Demonstrate active listening by following up an engaging conversation with a follow-up phrase that demonstrates your understanding of the issue at hand. This simple phrase validates the needs of your team members and ensures that their concerns are heard accurately.
4. I respect you for... - or - I respect the way...
Everyone wants to feel respected. Transformation leadership requires respect beyond simple lip service. The words must be heartfelt and highlight a specific behavior, trait, or action that you admire about your team members. This phrase will actively encourage the employee to repeat the positive behavior in the future.
5. I trust that you can... - or - I trust that you will...
This phrase is a great solution for leaders that tend to micromanage. Team members need space to find creative solutions for problems. Let your employees know that you actually trust them to use their talents to find a creative solution to any problem that might arise.
6. You are right. - or - I was wrong.
Surprise! Leaders don't always have the exact answers to all problems. A real transformational leader acknowledges when they are incorrect. Lead by example, and show that everyone has the capacity to learn and grow.
7. Sorry, it was my mistake.
Leaders admit when they have caused a problem, rather it was intentional or not. Transformational leaders know where the buck stops.
8. I have time for...
Does your team matter to you? Of course! Use this simple phrase and let them know that what concerns them, concerns you too.
9. What do you think? - or - How would you handle it?
Help your team learn to come up with answers on their own by fostering creative problem-solving. This phrase helps create a workplace culture of trust.
10. I am open to...
A real transformational leader encourages new ways of problem-solving and is open to changing an outdated process and methods. Let your team know explicitly how you feel and they'll respond positively. This will really foster an inclusive culture of creativity.
11. Thank you for... - or - I appreciate you for...
A simple thank you just won't do. A real transformational leadership approach acknowledges the reason you are grateful. This shows you are really paying attention to the individual achievements of your team members.
12. You can do it. - or - I believe in you.
This simple phrase of encouragement goes a long way. Let your employees know you have their back at all times. Your team members will feel confident and emerge as leaders themselves.
Read the source article at forbes.com
Does the concept of leadership have any value at all if leaders don’t use it to elevate those around them and advocate for the needs of others? Does having power and influence really matter if you aren’t perceived as using it to create transformational experiences? What is even the point of developing leadership skills and talents if you neglect to use your competence to inspire deeper thinking, maximize engagement and drive results for the organization and the people within it. I mean really? If your goal is to gain power and influence so you can focus more attention on yourself, what is even the point? Leadership can be about so much more, and transformational leadership must be about more.
Unlike these nine phrases which expose weak leaders and undermine organizational success, transformational leaders demonstrate the confidence, strength and emotional intelligence necessary to drive success. Transformational leaders care about results, but they are keenly aware that they need committed and engaged employees to get there. As such, they are acutely focused on building trust, developing competence, enhancing understanding, transferring knowledge and adding value for those who follow and rely on them.
