Leading with Influence: Empowering Conversations and Collaboration
Avoid the “I Think” Trap.
One of the most overused phrases in the corporate world, and perhaps in daily life, is “I think…”
Partners, leaders, colleagues, and even clients use it endlessly throughout the day. But starting a sentence with “I think” assumes that the person on the other end cares about our opinions and sees us as knowledgeable or credible. The reality is, they might not care, and worse, they might not respect us.
To truly stand out as a leader, especially before earning the official title, replace “I think…” with “What do you think?” in conversations with peers. This simple change shifts the focus from your own opinions to theirs, fostering a more collaborative and respectful dialogue.
Successful individuals often rise to the top because of their exceptional talents. Whether in sales, art, speaking, writing, or any other field, they excel in what they do. However, for true leaders, the focus shifts from personal achievements to inspiring and empowering others.
Leadership becomes less about what we do and more about what we can inspire others to do. It’s about encouraging others to share their thoughts and ideas and to take action based on those insights.
The mark of a great leader, coach, teacher, or mentor is their ability to positively influence others. Instead of dominating conversations, they facilitate open and collaborative discussions. They take input from their team rather than imposing a “my way or the highway” approach.
Inspiring teachers and professors embrace lifelong learning and invite students to share their perspectives. They avoid starting sentences with “I think,” opting instead to ask, “What do you think?”
By making conversations about others, leaders gain respect, credibility, and trust. When peers and leaders see your ability to empower others, you become a strong candidate for future leadership roles.
Remember, effective leadership requires credibility and respect among team members. By focusing on others’ perspectives and ideas, you not only enhance collaboration but also pave the way for your own career growth.
Lead with Influence. Empower with Collaboration.
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