I Swear By These Three Words -- You Will Too

Dear Humans,

I had a whole other article written for you today. It was about brand love - a topic I’m obsessed with because it applies to literally everything: your business, your relationships, your life. But then something happened this morning that made me scrap it (for now at least).

I was on a call, and I could feel it ... the wall. You know that feeling when someone is just there but not really there? Maybe they’re guarded, maybe they’re skeptical, maybe they’re just having a morning. Instead of pushing harder or filling the space with words, I pulled out my go-to phrase. The one that has been a guidepost in my career, my relationships, and honestly, my ability to not lose my mind as a parent -- the three words are ...

“Tell me more…”

And just like that, the wall came down. The conversation shifted. The openness (and dare I say, the love?) came in.

My superpower -- confirmed by years of performance reviews, 360 surveys, and just existing as a human -- is curiosity. I didn't even know this was my thing until recently. I just find people absolutely fascinating. I don’t have to agree with them. I don’t even have to like them. I just genuinely want to know what makes them tick, because everyone has a story. Everyone has something deeper to share, if you give them the space.

And this little phrase? It has served me ridiculously well.

Try it:

• Tough conversation? Tell me more…
• Someone says something weird? Tell me more…
• You don’t understand a decision at work? Tell me more…
• Spouse loads the dishwasher in a way that defies physics? Tell me more…
• Kid drops a comment that sounds a little… off? Tell me more…
• Sales gives you a last minute presentation to create with a turn around of tomorrow ... Tell me more…
• Co-worker pitches an idea that doesn’t quite land? Tell me more…

I’m telling you, these three words will change the way you see the world. They have an uncanny ability to not only open up others but to create space within you—to listen, to learn, and to (possibly) become better at humaning. Yes, I made that word up. Go with it.

Why It Works

Most people don’t feel truly seen or heard. They give surface-level responses because they assume no one actually wants the deeper answer. But when you say, “Tell me more…” you’re telling them:

• I see you.
• I want to understand.
• You matter.

Uggg! That last one—you matter—I feel those words in all 87.5 trillion cells of my being. Because mattering matters, my friends. My leaders. My parents. My marketers. My humans.

That is where the magic happens.

How to Use “Tell Me More” at Work (and in Life)

• In Meetings: Instead of moving on quickly, say “Tell me more…” and watch how much richer the conversation gets.
• With Clients or Customers: Dig deeper into feedback - because the first thing they say is never the whole thing.
• During Performance Reviews: Give employees the chance to share what’s really on their mind.
• In Sales Conversations: Uncover the real pain point, not just the one they lead with. This phrase should be in every one of your pre-sale conversations - every. single. one.
• At Home: Avoid the “uh-huh” autopilot and actually connect.
• In Conflict: Pause. Get curious. Open the door instead of shutting it.

The Bottom Line

If you want better conversations, deeper relationships, and a way to navigate just about any situation with more grace (and less regret), start using “Tell me more…”

It’s not just about better communication. It’s about being the kind of leader, partner, friend, and human who actually sees people. The world need more of this. More of you. More wild, heart-open curiosity that connects and shows love.

When you make space for people to be heard? Everything changes.

So, tell me more… where are you going to use this today?

PS – Why the picture of my doodle, Winnie May? Because she’s cute, and honestly, LinkedIn could use more adorable dog content. You’re welcome.