10 powerful, motivating words
Words can motivate. The things CEOs and managers say are often magnified by the employees and colleagues we are trying to lead in a certain direction.
Inc.comâÂÂs Jeff Haden echoes this sentiment and highlights a guest blog post from Courtney Seiter, who works for social-media sharing tool Buffer. Seiter lists 10 words and phrases that are extremely motivating, and seven that are not.
Her 10 motivating words:
- If. Thinking hypothetically takes the pressure off people and can improve performance.
- Could. Saying âÂÂcouldâ instead of âÂÂshouldâ can aid creativity.
- Yes.
- Together. This word creates a team atmosphere.
- Thank you.
- Choose to. ThereâÂÂs a big difference in saying âÂÂchoose toâ rather than âÂÂhave to.âÂÂ
- And. This word can help better convey a contrary opinion versus using âÂÂbut.âÂÂ
- Because. Give a reason for your actions.
- (Your name). Everyone likes to hear their own name.
- Willing. This is a helpful word which can turn a âÂÂnoâ into a âÂÂyes,â Seiter says.
Her list of seven words to avoid: need, must, canâÂÂt, easy, just, only and fast.
I try to incorporate these motivating words in my individual discussions as well as at our management team and âÂÂall staffâ meetings. ItâÂÂs one of those things that you must actually embrace, practice and execute. And IâÂÂll be darned, they seem to work. Follow me on Twitter (@BDanBerger).