Four phrases you should stop using in communication with employees

One and the same thing may be said in twenty different ways. Often it is not the content of the message but rather its form and the way it is presented that plays a key role in how it is accepted by the addressee. Here are four phrases you need to stop using in both written and oral communication with subordinates in order to achieve maximum effect in your communication and gain positive respect from your team members so they are able to give their best performance under your leadership.

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"Me"

As INC.com reminds us, people management is mainly about bringing the whole team together. Words that suggest you as the manager are above the others should be left out of your vocabulary. Do not say that YOU need something. Always say WE need to do something and WE will achieve it. Be a genuine part of your team and always explain things in the context of the department as a whole.

"Oh no"

"Oh no" and similar phrases implying frustration do not belong in a manager's vocabulary. Your task is to uplift team morale and promote a positive attitude at all times, especially in situations where something unpleasant is happening and it is most desirable that spirits be lifted. Do not lament over failures or bad luck; rather always take a positive view of things and reflect on the possible opportunities the given situation offers.

"Wrong/mistake"

Of course, mistakes do happen. But it is important to learn from them and not treat them as something negative (unless it is a truly fatal mistake the employee should never have made). Try to create a positive environment in your team, whereby mistakes are seen as opportunities, employees are not scolded for making mistakes and the whole team can learn from things that have not gone exactly as planned.

"Don't lecture me"

Only a manager of limited capacity would assume they know everything best. A self-confident manager who is successful in the long term listens to their employees, they support their individual critical thinking and know very well that in certain situations it is definitely worth listening to what their employees think. Forget the idea you know everything best, and omit from your vocabulary such phrases as "I don't need you to lecture me."

 

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Article source Inc.com - a U.S. magazine and web focused on starting businesses
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