Ethan Sterling
Leadership — it’s a term we often use but do we really know what it entails?
It’s more than just being in charge or making decisions. It’s about the way you communicate, your attitude, and the impact you have on those around you.
According to leadership psychology, if you regularly use certain phrases, it suggests you have a leadership personality rather than that of a follower.
Curious to know what these phrases are?
Well, in this article, I’m going to reveal 9 of them. These key phrases can provide a glimpse into your inherent leadership traits and help you understand yourself better.
So, are you ready to discover if you’re naturally a leader? Let’s dive in!
1) “What do you think?”
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
Far from it.
True leaders understand that they don’t know everything. They’re not afraid to admit it and actively seek input from others.
Now, consider how often you use the phrase “What do you think?”
This phrase is a clear indicator of a leadership personality. It shows that you value the opinions of others and are open to different perspectives.
Moreover, it signifies that you’re not just interested in making decisions on your own, but want to include your team in the decision-making process.
This is a key aspect of collaborative leadership and speaks volumes about your leadership style.
So if “What do you think?” is a regular part of your vocabulary, it’s a good sign that you have the personality of a leader, not a follower.
2) “I understand where you’re coming from”
Empathy — it’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
And according to research, it’s seen as a crucial aspect of effective leadership.
The phrase “I understand where you’re coming from” is one you’ll often hear from the best leaders. It means they’re listening to other people’s perspectives. They’re paying attention to their emotions and experiences.
Using this phrase doesn’t mean you always agree with the other person. It simply means you acknowledge their viewpoint, which is a powerful way to build trust and rapport.
3) “I disagree, and here’s why…”
Just as empathy is crucial, so is the ability to assertively express your own perspective.
Leadership doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone to keep the peace. It involves taking a stand and expressing disagreement when necessary.
So when you say, “I disagree, and here’s why…”, you’re demonstrating a key leadership trait.
This phrase shows that you’re confident in your own opinions and are willing to engage in respectful disagreement.
Remember the empathy we talked about earlier? Well, being able to disagree without disrespecting or disregarding others’ opinions indicates a balance between empathy and assertiveness.
It’s not about being combative or confrontational, but about fostering open dialogue and promoting diverse viewpoints.
Thus, using this phrase regularly might indicate that you have the personality of a leader who respects differences while maintaining their own stand.
4) “How can we improve?”
Ever found yourself constantly looking for ways to improve?
Leaders, by nature, are change agents. They are not satisfied with the status quo and are always seeking improvement.
The phrase “How can we improve?” encapsulates this quality perfectly.
Using this phrase shows that you’re always looking for opportunities to grow and enhance your team’s performance. It indicates that you have a growth mindset, a psychological concept that leaders often embody.
Moreover, it invites suggestions, encouraging a culture of continuous learning and improvement within your team.
Therefore, if you’re regularly asking “How can we improve?”, it’s likely that you have the personality of a leader who fosters growth and innovation.
5) “Let’s review our mistakes”
As a leader, it’s important to recognize that mistakes happen.
Rather than avoiding or ignoring them, leaders use mistakes as a learning opportunity.
When you say “Let’s review our mistakes”, you’re demonstrating:
- Accountability
- Willingness to learn
- Transparency
- Resilience
This phrase shows that you’re not afraid of admitting errors and are keen on learning from them to prevent future ones.
Consequently, if you frequently use this phrase, it’s a strong indication that you embody the traits of a leader who uses setbacks as stepping stones for growth.
6) “I appreciate your effort”
As leaders, we often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of achieving goals and forget to acknowledge the efforts of our team.
But let’s be honest, everyone likes to be appreciated, right?
When you say “I appreciate your effort”, you’re fostering an environment of positivity and recognition. This phrase shows that you notice and value the hard work your team puts in.
From my personal experience, I’ve found that such appreciation can significantly boost team morale and productivity.
So, if you find yourself regularly using this phrase, it’s a sign that you have a leadership personality that values and acknowledges the efforts of others. This is an essential trait for building a supportive and motivated team.
7) “What can we learn from this?”
Picture this: Your team has just wrapped up a major project, but it didn’t go as smoothly as you’d hoped. There were hurdles, miscommunications, and setbacks. It’s easy to feel disappointed, but what do you say?
Do you dwell on the negatives or do you ask, “What can we learn from this?”
This phrase signals a leader’s ability to see every experience as a learning opportunity. Even in failure, there are valuable lessons to be uncovered.
Are you the type of person who seeks lessons in defeat? Can you turn setbacks into opportunities for growth?
If you find yourself frequently using this phrase, it indicates that you have a leadership personality with a focus on learning and development, even in the face of adversity.
8) “I trust your judgment”
In my early career, I had a manager who would always say, “I trust your judgment”. That phrase made me feel valued and empowered. It boosted my confidence and motivated me to perform at my best.
Trust is a vital component of leadership.
When you say “I trust your judgment”, you’re expressing confidence in someone’s abilities and decision-making skills.
This phrase shows that you’re not just a leader who commands, but one who trusts and empowers their team.
Using this phrase regularly suggests that you have a leadership personality that cultivates trust and autonomy within your team, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
9) “We can do this”
And finally, the most powerful phrase a leader can use is, “We can do this”.
Leadership is about rallying your team and instilling a sense of belief and motivation.
When you say “We can do this”, you’re inspiring confidence and unity. You’re reinforcing the idea that as a team, you can tackle any challenge that comes your way.
This phrase is a testament to your ability to encourage and inspire your team, key characteristics of a true leader.
So if you find yourself frequently saying “We can do this”, it’s a strong indication that you possess the personality of a leader, not just a follower.
What’s your leadership language?
Reflecting on the phrases you use frequently can reveal a lot about your leadership style and personality. Are you using phrases that inspire trust, promote learning, and foster collaboration?
Here are a few more phrases that leaders often use:
- “I’m here to help”
- “Your work matters”
- “Let’s celebrate our wins”
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It’s about constant growth, learning, and adaptation. So, take some time to reflect on your leadership language and how it impacts those around you.
Remember, the words we choose matter. They have the power to inspire, encourage, and lead. So, what’s your leadership language saying about you?
