Crafting Messages That Resonate With Team Members

Your brilliant ideas are drowning in complexity. I see it constantly: smart leaders with powerful insights who struggle to get their message across. They know their stuff inside and out, but when they try to explain it, people's eyes glaze over or they push back before really understanding. The problem: You're starting too deep. Instead of agonizing over the perfect one-liner or tagline to summarize everything, and rather than a wall of smarts and complexity, consider using 3 phrases that create a journey from surface-level agreement to deeper trust and relationship. I call this “laddering down your message.” Rung 1: “We want…” Start where they are. A simple truth they already believe or want. No judgment, just alignment. Reframe their focus and aim, but only slightly and oriented towards what they already know they want. Rung 2: “We need…” Your core premise. The "how" that builds naturally from their existing desire. Rung 3: “We hope…” The aspirational outcome. What becomes possible when they follow your approach? What happens if they hire you? First, align. Then, assert. Lastly, aspire. We want, we need, we hope. Here are some examples: Mine: "Don't market more, matter more" → "Think resonance over reach" → "Don't be the best. Be their favorite." Workplace culture expert Alison Coward: "Team building doesn't happen away from work. It happens as we work" → "We shouldn't run workshops. We should build a workshop culture" → "Your team does the team building every single day." Speaker and author Mykel Dixon 🎤: "If you want to get ahead, you need to come alive" → "Your energy source matters more than their productivity systems" → "You don't need more work in your life. You need more life in your work." Notice the progression. Each rung builds logical momentum by securing little moments of agreement from others, in sequence. They nod along with the first, lean in on the second, and feel transformed by the third. The magic happens in the sequencing. You're not overwhelming them with everything at once. Instead, you're guiding them down a ladder of understanding, one rung at a time. Take your biggest idea and ask: - What simple truth do they already want? What small change can I get them to agree with? (Rung 1) - What's your unique approach to get there? What’s your pov on how they proceed (how to think, not just a list of steps)? (Rung 2) - What's the best-case outcome if they follow your advice and, ideally, hire you? (Rung 3) Stop shoving a wall of smarts at people. Stop searching for a single line to summarize it all. Create a logical flow, a series of agreements, moving from surface-level understanding and relationship to something deeper. Ladder down your message.

Your team might not trust you as much as you think. And your words might be the reason. Trust in the workplace doesn’t just happen. It’s cultivated through intentional communication. These phrases will help you create a more engaged and motivated team. (Leaders, your team needs to hear them more often): 1. "Tell me what you think we should do." ↳ This shows you value their expertise. ↳ It empowers their decision-making skills. 2. "I trust your judgment on this decision." ↳ This shows genuine confidence in them. ↳ It encourages ownership of the task. 3. "I need to admit that I made a mistake." ↳ This shows vulnerability as a leader. ↳ It models accountability. 4. "You handled that situation brilliantly." ↳ This acknowledges their specific actions. ↳ It builds professional confidence. 5. "Please tell me how I can support you better." ↳ This shows your commitment to their success. ↳ It opens up constructive and honest dialogue. 6. "What resources do you need to succeed?" ↳ This removes barriers to their success. ↳ Shows investment in their success. 7. "I's not sure the answer, but let's figure it out together." ↳ This shows your authenticity as a leader. ↳ It encourages collaboration. 8. "What have we learned from this experience?" ↳ It eliminates finger-pointing. ↳ Creates a positive learning environment. 9. "Your wellbeing matters more than this deadline." ↳ This shows genuine care for your team. ↳ It sets healthy boundaries. 10. "I've got your back on this." ↳ Builds team solidarity and trust. ↳ Encourages innovative thinking. 11. "Let me share why this decision was made." ↳ This phrase creates transparency. ↳ It shows respect for their understanding. Using these phrases consistently fosters trust, collaboration, and a culture of growth within your team. The right words at the right time can make all the difference in how your team feels valued and empowered. Which one will you use today? Share below ⬇️ Sign up for my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gyJ3FqiT Follow Carolyn Healey for more leadership insights. Repost to your network if they need to hear this message.

Every word shapes your team's culture. 15 phrases great leaders say + what not to say: 1. Empower autonomy, don’t dictate. ❌ “Just do what I say.” ✅ “I trust your judgment. What’s your approach?” Why: Encourages critical thinking and ownership. 2. Embrace new ideas, don’t shut them down. ❌ “That’s not how we do things here.” ✅ “Interesting—how do you see this improving our process?” Why: Sparks innovation and open dialogue. 3. Build confidence, don’t undermine. ❌ “Are you sure you can handle this?” ✅ “You’ve got this. Let me know how I can support you.” Why: Reinforces capability instead of doubt. 4. Give clarity, not confusion. ❌ “Figure it out.” ✅ “Here’s the goal. Let’s brainstorm how to get there.” Why: Provides direction without micromanaging. 5. Encourage initiative, don’t control. ❌ “Stay in your lane.” ✅ “I appreciate your initiative—let’s align priorities.” Why: Fosters ambition without chaos. 6. Turn mistakes into lessons, not shame. ❌ “You should have known better.” ✅ “What did we learn? How do we improve next time?” Why: Promotes growth instead of fear. 7. Recognize contributions, not just outcomes. ❌ “That’s your job. No need for thanks.” ✅ “I appreciate the effort you put into this.” Why: Acknowledgment fuels motivation. 8. Reward effort, not just results. ❌ “Only results matter.” ✅ “Your effort is setting us up for long-term success.” Why: Encourages persistence even when wins aren’t immediate. 9. Provide support, not pressure. ❌ “I need this done exactly my way.” ✅ “What approach do you think works best?” Why: Encourages problem-solving and ownership. 10. Offer constructive feedback, not criticism. ❌ “This isn’t good enough.” ✅ “Here’s what’s working. Let’s refine the rest.” Why: Balances praise with areas for growth. 11. Normalize learning, not perfection. ❌ “We don’t have time for mistakes.” ✅ “Mistakes are part of progress—let’s focus on solutions.” Why: Creates psychological safety for growth. 12. Set boundaries, not burnout. ❌ “Your availability doesn’t work for me.” ✅ “Let’s find a schedule that works for both of us.” Why: Prioritizes productivity without exhaustion. 13. Encourage transparency, not fear. ❌ “I don’t have time to explain.” ✅ “Let’s make sure we’re aligned—here’s the reasoning.” Why: Strengthens trust and clarity. 14. Guide junior talent, don’t dismiss them. ❌ “You’re too junior for this.” ✅ “This is a great growth opportunity—let’s work on it together.” Why: Invests in long-term leadership development. 15. Foster collaboration, not control. ❌ “I’ll take it from here.” ✅ “Let’s tackle this together—I value your perspective.” Why: Builds inclusion and shared ownership. People remember how you make them feel.  Every word matters. — 🏵️ Tomorrow in The Modern Executive newsletter: Burnout is so 2024–10 proven strategies to outperform everyone. Click the link under my name. ♻️ Repost it to help others grow. ➕ Follow me, Misha Rubin, for actionable career, and life insights.

Your words shape the air people work in. I’ve been in enough rooms to know, it’s not the policies that make or break a culture. It’s the everyday language leaders use without thinking. One sentence. Said the wrong way. Can shut somebody down. And one sentence, said with intention? That’s the kind of thing people remember years later. Toxic vs. Empowering communication, with real alternatives that create trust, not fear: ❌ "This is how we’ve always done it, don’t question it." ✅ "If you have ideas to improve this, let me know." → Innovation thrives where curiosity is welcomed. ❌ "I don’t care how you feel; I need results." ✅ "Your well-being matters. What challenges are you facing?" → Results don’t come at the cost of people. Sustainable performance starts with empathy. ❌ "Why weren’t you available?" ✅ "I respect your time off. Let’s plan to connect during work hours." → Respecting boundaries builds a culture of trust. ❌ "I thought you would do a better job." ✅ "This is a great start. Here’s an idea to make it even better." → Feedback should lift, not crush. ❌ "You should know this by now." ✅ "What questions do you have?" → Curiosity should be encouraged, not punished. ❌ "I don’t pay you to think; just do as I tell you." ✅ "Your insights and perspectives matter." → Smart teams are built on shared thinking, not dictatorship. ❌ "I need to know exactly what you're working on at all times." ✅ "You decide how the work gets done-I trust you." → Micromanagement kills morale. Autonomy drives ownership. ❌ "I don’t have time for your excuses." ✅ "What’s causing setbacks? Let’s find a solution together." → Accountability without blame is the secret to real progress. ❌ "If you can’t handle the pressure, this might not be the job for you." ✅ "How can I support you?" → Strong leaders lift people up when they’re overwhelmed, not push them out. ❌ "You are lucky to have this job." ✅ "Your contributions make a real difference. Thank you." → Gratitude > threats. Always. If you’re leading people, even if it’s just one person check your language. That’s where the work starts. Start by listening to how you show up when things are messy, rushed, or tense. Because that’s what they remember. Every time. ♻️ Repost this if you believe leadership is built in the small moments. 🔔 Follow me Armers Moncure for communication that builds trust, not fear.

🤐 "Dead Air" on Zoom? It’s Not Disengagement — It’s Cultural. 🌏 Your global team is brilliant, but meetings are met with silence. You ask for input, and… nothing. It’s not that they don’t care. It’s cultural. In many cultures, challenging a leader publicly can feel disrespectful. Speaking up might risk "losing face." So, instead of collaboration, you get cautious nods, and critical ideas die quietly. 💥 The cost? Missed feedback, hidden conflicts, derailed timelines, and talent feeling unseen and unheard. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 🚀 Here’s how to encourage real participation and build trust across cultures — starting today. 1️⃣ Invite opinions privately first. Many cultures value privacy and may hesitate to disagree publicly. Before the meeting, send out an agenda and ask for input by email or private chat. This gives team members time to reflect and feel safer sharing. 2️⃣ Create "round robin" sharing moments. During the call, explicitly invite each person to share, one by one. Use phrases like: "I’d love to hear a quick insight from everyone, no wrong answers." This reduces the fear of interrupting or "stepping out of line." 3️⃣ Model vulnerability as a leader. Share your own uncertainties or challenges first. For example: "I’m not sure this is the best approach — I’d really value your perspective." When you show it’s safe to be open, your team will follow. 4️⃣ Acknowledge and validate contributions publicly. After someone shares, affirm them clearly. For example: "Thank you for that perspective — it really helps us see this from a new angle." This builds psychological safety and encourages future participation. 5️⃣ Use cultural "mirroring" techniques. Mirror verbal and non-verbal cues appropriate to different cultures (e.g., nodding, using supportive phrases). Show respect for varying communication styles instead of forcing a "one-size-fits-all" dynamic. ✨Imagine meetings where every voice is heard and your team’s full potential is unlocked. Ready to stop the silence and turn diversity into your superpower? #CulturalCompetence #GlobalLeadership #InclusiveTeams #PsychologicalSafety #CrossCulturalCommunication