Leadership is about empowering people to grow and change.

One of the biggest obstacles to personal growth is our language.
Language reflect the workings of our brain and you can change the
way your brain functions by changing your language.

Using empowering language is one of the keys to personal growth.

A couple of posts ago we looked at the word “NEED” and how it is often used
in a way that robs us of our energy. This post let’s look at
two more ways to hold on to your power by changing your
language.

“SHOULD”
As in, “I really SHOULD be more aware of my language.”

The word SHOULD marks something we haven’t chosen to do and adds
in a little twinge of guilt.

DON’T SHOULD ON YOURSELF.

The true statement is “I haven’t chosen to….”.

Seen in this clear way, with no guilt attached,
you either choose to let it go (remember that in many cases shoulds don’t
originate with you) or choose to get the job done.

“BUT”
“I really want to be salesperson of the quarter, BUT I didn’t
make my quota.”

The word BUT negates everything that comes before it.

However, most people use it to connect two statements that are both true.
Imagine the sentence above with the word AND instead of BUT.
Using BUT allows him to drop the desire to excel when, in fact,
the desire is still there. Using AND acknowledges that both
statements are true.

Instead of  SHOULD…   
Use this “CHOOSE” - do it or let it go

Instead of BUT…   
Use this “AND”

Notice the difference these changes make in
- how clearly you communicate with your team, your colleagues,  your family and
friends
- the difference it makes in your energy