A leader inspires his team to reach goals by taking risks and making changes. A manager organizes and coordinates group work. He makes sure that his team works proficiently. Both of them work in different styles. Therefore, communication is essential for both leaders and managers, particularly the expressions they use. Leaders are usually winners. They always select positive and efficient words. Arrogance and stubbornness are the qualities that keep managers from having leadership qualities. Such people sometimes use words and expressions that insult their teams. Some expressions have the worst influence on the work environment. Here are ten negative expressions we should not use to become managers with leadership qualities.
"I am the boss."
Good leaders lead people, not command them. Moreover, they are work-oriented but not egocentric. They do not urge approval from their teams. Thus, people respect them for their human qualities but not their power. They follow leaders mechanically, without any force, as they inspire them. When the manager says, "I am the boss," psychologically, he underestimates both his power and the people around him. That's why, leadership demands mutual respect. If we want to get respect, we should give it. It is not by chance that a well-known quote says, "Only slaves want to manage."
"I am not guilty."
Only the weak will justify themselves with the "I am not guilty" expression. Good leaders have strong characteristics. They accept their own mistakes. They are rational, so they never take others's negative comments. Rationalism is one of the main characteristics of a leader. As Warren Buffet says, "Honesty is the greatest policy." Leaders never justify themselves; they speak honestly and solve problems without losing their minds. They never tend to blame anyone when an issue arises. It is not by chance that one of the world-known leaders, Henry Ford, has stated, "Never try to find a mistake instead of the solution.".
"I will do it myself."
Good leaders always value other people's ideas and try to work with everyone in a team. They understand that the strength of their organizations lies in their teams. An expression like "I will do it myself" is typical for managers but not for leaders. They see each employee as a powerful individual who is there to contribute to the organization. Leaders also consider themselves team players, as modesty is one of their main features.
"I know; I have already thought about everything."
The expression "I know; I have already thought about everything" shows typical human egocentrism. It will only hurt other employees' feelings. They will not be willing to work with a manager who is used to using such expressions daily. Good leaders know that there are always new things to learn and consider life an unlimited process for learning.
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"Failure is unacceptable."
As Winston Churchill says, ''Success is a succession of failures without losing enthusiasm''. Good leaders do not only realize their mistakes but also help others learn from them. They never made others fall into despair. The leaders made their followers realize the learning process. Nothing can be perfect, and everybody gets experience in a work environment. Experience is the only vital asset for any organization. It can become a platform for further development.
"This is not our method."
The expression "This is not our method" is ridiculous but popular among managers. Leaders are open-minded to innovations and innovative ideas. They achieve innovations using all their resources. They know that every old stereotype or idea does not always lead to success. If an idea is suspicious, a leader will ask for an explanation. He will even make an appointment to meet his staff for brainstorming and listening to new ideas. The leader will discuss both the pros and cons of the suggested ideas. He will also read many books to find new innovative methods for his organization. The leader will organize special training for each member of the organization. He will himself be keen on learning new things as well.
"I need a result, not your kind behavior."
Leaders know that success depends on communication and trustful relations with everybody, so they value kind behavior in their work environment. None of the leaders will express the "I need a result, not your kind behavior" idea. If there is no human ethics in communication, activities become unproductive. It is a basis of effective communication for all societies. Thus, leaders highly value ethics in communication.
"I don't care that it is impossible. Just do it."
The expression "I don't care that it is impossible. Just do it" is irrational and contains elements of irresponsibility. Leaders will never work against their principles, either. They will always ask people to act without fraud or illegal actions. The leader is an authoritative figure without any right to make big mistakes and disappoint his followers.
I don't want to hear any negative news or expectations.
First of all, the leader is a problem solver. He should be ready to listen to negative news and expectations. In general, issues tend to get worse. They should have solutions on time. A good leader solves all problems and their negative consequences at once.
"You are lucky to work here."
Without employees, any organization could not survive. The expression "You are lucky to work here" is strange and unacceptable. It is a kind of manipulation. Moreover, it makes employees think their manager favors them by allowing them to work with him, so they will avoid working in such an unhealthy work environment. Thus, such managers can become big problems for the owner of the organization. A healthy, happy atmosphere makes employees and customers feel at ease and work in a productive atmosphere.
In conclusion, managers should also have such leadership qualities as vision and passion for their jobs, empathy towards their employees, confidence and Decisiveness in themselves, accountability towards owners and customers, inspiration and creativity from books and other sources, positive attitude towards life, as well as good communication skills for clearly articulating their expectations and goals.
