Communication is Key

This might be uncomfortable to read but…

Your team’s performance is a direct
reflection of your words.

I’ve spent +15 years watching exceptional CEOs work.

One pattern stands out clearly:

They speak a language that inspires action rather
than simply giving directions.

Here are 12 phrases great CEOs use to
lead with impact:

1. “I trust you to handle this.”
↳ Builds confidence and encourages ownership.
↳ Shows you believe in their ability.

2. “Let’s solve this together.”
↳ Turns problems into collaboration, not blame.
↳ Creates a problem-solving mindset.

3. “Let’s make this simple.”
↳ Helps cut through unnecessary complexity.
↳ Keeps projects moving forward smoothly.

4. “What would you do if you were in my position?”
↳ Encourages strategic thinking and ownership.
↳ Gives them a broader leadership perspective.

5. “Here’s what we can’t afford to miss.”
↳ Helps eliminate distractions and misalignment.
↳ Ensures the team works on high-impact tasks.

6. “Walk me through your thinking.”
↳ Encourages open discussion without pressure.
↳ Helps you understand their perspective.

7. “Before we wrap up, let’s get clear on the next steps.”
↳ Prevents misunderstandings and delays.
↳ Aligns expectations for smooth execution.

8. “What’s standing in our way?”
↳ Helps identify hidden obstacles.
↳ Turns roadblocks into actionable solutions.

9. “I see where you’re coming from.”
↳ Makes people feel heard and valued.
↳ Builds trust by acknowledging different viewpoints.

10. “What’s the simplest way to get this done?”
↳ Eliminates wasted effort and overcomplication.
↳ Helps find the most efficient approach.

11. “I might be missing something—help me see
what you see.”
↳ Shows humility and openness to new ideas.
↳ Encourages diverse thinking and better solutions.

12. “That’s a smart way to look at it.”
↳ Recognizes valuable ideas and input.
↳ Encourages people to speak up more.

The bottom line is this:

The words you choose determine how people respond.

Want a team that trusts, executes, and takes ownership?

Start with how you communicate.

The best CEOs don’t just give orders.

They inspire action.

What powerful phrase would you add to this list?