Disempowering Words That Hold Leaders Back

How Strong Leaders Create Growing Organizations

At Wilcox & Associates, we specialize in helping leaders build high-performing teams and growing organizations. One simple yet powerful leadership hack can create an immediate impact on your culture, team performance, and business growth: listen for disempowering words.

If you want to strengthen leadership effectiveness, improve workplace communication, and drive better business results, start by eliminating language that weakens commitment and action.

Disempowering Words That Hold Leaders Back

Language shapes mindset, and mindset drives behavior. Many leaders and teams unknowingly use words that introduce hesitation and weaken accountability. Common disempowering words include:

• Should
• Can’t
• Need
• Want
• Ought to
• Try

Each of these words creates uncertainty. Take “try” for example—there is no measurable action in “try.” You either take action or you don’t. High-performing teams and growing organizations thrive on commitment, not hesitation.

Step 1: Track Disempowering Language

For the next one to two weeks, simply observe how often you hear these words in meetings, emails, and conversations. Pay attention to both your own language and your team’s. Awareness is the first step to change.

Step 2: Challenge and Reframe for Action

Once you recognize these words, start shifting conversations from uncertainty to commitment by challenging and reframing the language:

• “I should do that.” → “What’s one specific step you will take to make it happen?”
• “I can’t do that.” → “What would need to change for you to make it possible?”
• “I need to…” → “What’s stopping you from taking action now?”
• “I’ll try.” → “What does trying look like? What specific action will you take?”

By shifting these phrases, you move from vague intentions to clear, actionable commitments that fuel business growth and leadership success.

Step 3: Follow Up and Foster Accountability

Great organizations don’t just talk about action—they create mutually agreed upon next steps. When someone commits to a change, add in a “next step” to check in on their progress. Commitments like this fuel accountability, strengthens leadership, and builds momentum in growing organizations.

The Impact on Your Leadership and Business Growth

When you eliminate disempowering words, you’ll notice:

• Greater team accountability and engagement
• Stronger, more decisive leadership
• A culture of action and high performance
• More clarity in communication and decision-making
• A leadership mindset that drives business growth

Growing Organizations Require Strong Leaders

At Wilcox & Associates, we help businesses cultivate action-driven, high-performing leaders through sales leadership training, executive coaching, and leadership development programs.

If you’re serious about building a thriving, growing organization, start with strong leadership. Shift the language, shift the mindset, and watch your business grow.

Ready to strengthen your team and drive business growth? Let’s talk! Schedule a complimentary call with Wilcox & Associates today to discover how our proven strategies can help you build a culture of accountability, leadership excellence, and sustainable success.

Schedule a call here!