8 Phrases Good Leaders Will Say to Build Trust and Inspire Others

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Let's all agree on one thing: Your ability to communicate with your employees effectively is key to success as a leader. Are we on the same page here?

If we are, communication isn't just about being articulate or commanding presence with your words. As the title suggests, building trust and inspiring people with words takes a very?human approach to how you speak to them.

So, let's get practical; otherwise, my own words here are mere platitudes. Here are eight phrases that good leaders say to engage the?hearts and minds of people. And I'd love to hear your examples in the comments.

1. "I have good news and bad news."

Why would this motivate people, you ask? Ever worked for a manager or executive team who kept things behind closed doors? Leaders who swept things under the rug and didn't tell you all the facts? Good leaders do the opposite. They are truth-tellers and explain the context of who, what, where, when, and why in their decision-making. The fact that a leader can honestly and openly communicate both good?and?bad news goes a long way toward motivating people and winning their trust.

2. "Here's what's really going on?and what this means for you."

People want to know where they stand. They want to feel safe and know that their leaders have their best interests in mind. When something happens that disrupts things, effective?leaders keep motivation high by painting a positive and realistic picture of business life to keep their people steady and not uncertain. They communicate what's?really?going on and reset expectations to keep their people focused.

3. "Hey, everyone, I'm unsure which direction to go. What would you do in my situation?"

You come to your staff meeting, and before you start, you're thinking, "I don't know what the tell my team. I'm totally stumped." For many bosses in positions of power, hubris sets in and sabotages truth. On the other hand, humble and effective leaders are emotionally present. They ask for help when needed and create?space for authenticity and truth so that others are free to do the same. By being real and emotionally honest with your team and giving team members permission to be the same, teams connect and collaborate better.

4. "I need you to improve. Here's what's working well."

When bringing up a sensitive topic such as a team member's performance, effective leaders don't jump right into the hard part of the discussion and put the other person immediately on the defensive. They open with the positive and acknowledge what is already working?and what they appreciate about their team member's strengths. This helps with easing into the "tough love" part of the conversation -- how you'd like to see performance?specifically?improve in the areas of concern.?

5. "I couldn't have done it without you."

This is the highest form of saying thank you. Acknowledging someone else's effort for going above and beyond, especially if it makes a leader or manager look good, reinforces a strong team culture. This simple act of encouragement is a mental booster that will send ripples of trust across the organization.

6. "That was clearly my mistake."

Effective leaders aren't hiding behind their hubris or status and deflecting responsibility to someone else. They are accountable to others and own?up to making mistakes, which sets?the example for their tribe to be honest and not fear making their own mistakes.?

7. "What do you need from me?"

Effective leaders are servant leaders. They serve?the needs of others by making sure?obstacles are removed from their path and that they're being set?up for success. They also hold them accountable for that same success with a high bar. But it all starts with the human hallmark of caring and concern. And the first question they ask?is: What do you need from me so you're being set up for success?

8. "I trust you."

Effective leaders can say this with great confidence because they believe and trust in their people and their abilities to get the job done. They'll get out of people's way, let them take ownership of their work, and allow them to use their God-given brains to create and innovate. This is why Steve Jobs once said, "It doesn't make sense to hire?smart people?and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do."

Your turn: If you're a leader, or if you've been in the company of good leaders, what is an effective phrase to motivate and inspire people? Leave a comment!

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