Leaders!

I’ve been listening to many team conversations lately, and one word that keeps popping up is “hopefully.” It sounds harmless, but neurologically, it signals uncertainty. When you over use words like this as a leader, you are unknowingly lowering the sense of urgency. Teams mirror that tone, and momentum dies.

🎯 Say It Better: Before & After

Before:

After:

🪛 Why it works: Hope is not a strategy. Clear deadlines + proactive ownership = leadership language.

🧪 Leadership Language Tip

Avoid passive phrases like “Let me know” or “Just checking in.” You might assume they sound polite, but they quietly shift responsibility away from you, creating decision fatigue for the other person.

Here’s why that matters:

Instead, ask for a clear action with a defined timeframe:

These micro-adjustments increase urgency, eliminate ambiguity, and build a reputation for decisive leadership.

💬 From the Wild

One of my coaching clients recently started replacing “Let me know” with “What’s your next step, and when will you take it?”

Her team meetings went from foggy to focused in two weeks. You may not feel authentic saying that exact phrase, so modify as necessary to make sure it feels natural.

📌 Try This This Week

💡Your mission:​
Pick one passive phrase you use out of habit (e.g., “Just checking in…”) and retire it.

Last word...

✅ Clarity in language leads to clarity in action.
Try one slight shift this week—hit reply to let me know how it lands with your team.

Your feedback helps me make sure I'm on the right track. If you have specific topics or issues you want me to include in the future, hit "Reply" and let me know!

Semper Fi,​
​Jake Allen​
Founder, Leadership Language Lab