Management Topics
Three-Word Power Phrases to Show Leadership by Josef Martens, PhD, CSP A
mong the key leadership qualities for the future are good communication skills. “Good”
in this context means that you express positive values, that the communication is succinct and that you come across as a leader. The best way to deliver on all these requirements is what I call the “Three-Word Power Phrases”. They are short and to the point; they embody a positive value and they let you come across as decisive (without being harsh).
A couple of months ago I conducted
a survey among 2,000 leaders to find out what their favorite power-phrases are. Some phrases were old acquaintances of mine (“Tell me more” is an old favorite) and others were welcome additions (“Today I learnt…”).
As you read them, I invite you to get out of the analytical thinking and judging
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mode. Instead, approach them all with curiosity and with the question, “Where might I be able to use this today”? All of these phrases are door-openers. I could tell you a story about each one of them where a relationship became stronger or a new opportunity opened up
“I Don’t Know” – Embodies the Values: Honesty and Self-Awareness Sometimes we’re tempted to fake an answer. Maybe we think we’re expected to know the answer or maybe – in the spirit of the SAT tests – we think guessing is better than not knowing. The long- term gain of being honest about our limitations usually wins over the short-term gain of appearing to know something. This phrase is best used without the extension “…but I’ll find out”.
“Tell Me More” – Curiosity, Ceding Power We’re so used to asking questions to find out more. Even open-ended questions have the downside that we steer the conversation in the direction of our choice. If you want to give the other person the strong sense of being heard, try this phrase. You show you’re listening and you leave them the choice of what’s next.
“And What Else?” – Curiosity This is an effective phrase if someone wants to share something with you, gives you feedback or is simply venting. Instead of addressing what they’re saying and deflecting it, try this phrase. You show that you’re interested and that you’re listening. Keep using it until the other person says “There is nothing else”. Then, you respond to what they said.
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