"What do YOU think?"

Empowering Through Engagement

• Tip: Regularly ask for your team’s insights to make them feel valued and involved. This shows that you trust their judgment and are open to new ideas.

• Action Item: During your next team meeting, make it a point to ask each member for their thoughts on a critical project. Watch how this simple question transforms the dynamic of the conversation and boosts participation.
  

"We’ll get through this together" 

Building Trust and Camaraderie

• Tip: In times of challenge, remind your team that you’re all in it together. This strengthens the bond between you and your employees, fostering a supportive culture.

• Action Item: When faced with a strict deadline or challenging project, use this phrase to reassure your team. Follow it up by actively participating in the work, showing you’re willing to lead by example.
  

"Here’s why I made that decision"

Cultivating Transparency

• Tip: Transparency in decision-making builds trust. When you make a tough call, explain your reasoning to your team to ensure they understand and align with the direction.

• Action Item: The next time you make a significant decision, hold a brief meeting to explain the rationale to your team. Invite questions to clarify and ensure everyone is on the same page.
  

"What would make that easier?"

Removing Roadblocks

• Tip: Leaders exist to serve their teams. By asking this question, you’re actively looking for ways to simplify their jobs, showing that you prioritize their success.

• Action Item: Regularly check with your team members about their workloads and obstacles. If someone identifies a roadblock, work with them to find a solution. This might mean reallocating resources or adjusting timelines.
  

"Take some time off—you’ve earned it!"

Recognizing and Rewarding Effort

• Tip: Recognition is a powerful motivator. When your team goes above and beyond, acknowledge it and encourage them to recharge.

• Action Item: Reward your team with a day off or a small celebration after a significant project wrap-up. Make it clear that their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.
  

"I love that you took a risk. What did you learn?"

Encouraging Innovation and Learning

• Tip: Normalize risk-taking within your team by celebrating it as an opportunity for growth. This promotes a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

• Action Item: Highlight a recent project where someone took a calculated risk, regardless of the outcome. Discuss what was learned and how it can be applied moving forward.
  

"Do you have enough direction to run with this?"

Ensuring Clarity and Focus

• Tip: Clear communication of expectations is critical. Before your team embarks on a project, ensure they fully understand their objectives and responsibilities.

• Action Item: Confirm that your team members have all the information they need after assigning a task. Provide further guidance if necessary and encourage them to ask questions.
  

"Will you lead that for us?"

Empowering Leadership in Others

• Tip: Delegating leadership tasks shows trust and builds future leaders. Empower your team by allowing them to lead projects or initiatives.

• Action Item: Identify a project a team member could lead and entrust them with the responsibility. Offer support but allow them the autonomy to make decisions.
  

"How can I better support you?"

Strengthening Leadership Through Feedback

• Tip: Soliciting feedback on your leadership style shows humility and a willingness to grow. It also ensures that you’re meeting your team's needs.

• Action Item: Schedule one-on-one meetings with your team members to discuss how you can better support them. Take their feedback seriously and implement changes where possible.
  

"How was your kid’s soccer game?"

Showing Genuine Interest in Personal Lives

• Tip: Your employees are more than just workers; they’re people with lives outside the office. Showing interest in their personal lives strengthens your relationship and builds trust.

• Action Item: Make it a habit to ask about your team members' personal lives respectfully and genuinely. This could be as simple as a quick chat over coffee.
  

"Next time, try…"

Offering Constructive Feedback

• Tip: Constructive feedback is essential for growth. Provide it in a forward-looking and actionable way, ensuring your team knows how to improve.

• Action Item: When giving feedback, focus on the future rather than the past. Frame your suggestions as opportunities for growth and development.

"I’ll be quiet now"

Practicing Active Listening

• Tip: Great leaders listen more than they speak. By consciously listening, you show your team that their voices matter.

• Action Item: In your next meeting, practice active listening by letting others speak first. Resist the urge to jump in with your thoughts—your team will appreciate the space to share.
  

"Thank you"

The Power of Gratitude

• Tip: Never underestimate the impact of a simple thank you. Gratitude fosters a positive work environment and motivates your team.

• Action Item: Make it a daily practice to thank your team members for their contributions. Whether through a personal note or a public acknowledgment, your gratitude will go a long way.
  

"Are you doing okay?"

Recognizing When Something’s Off

• Tip: A great leader is attuned to their team’s emotional well-being. If you notice someone seems off, take the time to check in on them.

• Action Item: If a team member is struggling, pull them aside for a private conversation. Let them know you’re there to support them through work-related adjustments or lend an ear.
  

"I messed up"

Role Modeling Accountability

• Tip: Owning your mistakes sets a powerful example for your team. It shows that being human is okay and that accountability is a shared value.

• Action Item: The next time you make a mistake, admit it openly to your team. Discuss what you’ve learned and how you’ll prevent it in the future. Your honesty will encourage others to do the same.