The Most Important Words in Leadership

Part of the way they do what they need to do is by communicating important words and messages in ways which lead the organisation toward excellence (if not profitability or success), foster exchange of information, increase collaboration, stimulate imagination and innovation, and demonstrate good role modeling to others.

The list below is one of the oldest lists I have – from the American Marketing Association, dated 1979 – but I also remember a variation of this list by UK leadership expert John Adair. Yes, they’re a bit sales-y, but if you look past the triteness of the list, there are some important messages.

Words for Every Leader

The six most important words:  I admit I made a mistake.

Few things demonstrate humility and authenticity than a leader who will admit they are not always right.

The five most important words:  You did a good job.

Leaders don’t forget the value of recognising the people around them who succeed and say so publicly.

The four most important words:  What is your opinion?

Above all else, good leaders ask good questions. This one in particular also encourages collaboration. 

The three most important words:  If you please.

Call me old school if you like, but nothing says respect as the word ‘please.’ 

The two most important words:  Thank you.

What better way to tell a person they are valued?

The one most important word:  We

What better word to remind those around us that we’re human.

The least important word:  I 

No successful person stands alone.

Stapled to the same article was this quote, from Stephen Covey.  You can’t talk your way out of something that you behaved your way into.

Anything to add?  What words do you think every leader ought to know?  Please add your comments and thoughts below.