He’s all talk! Talk is cheap! We’ve all heard these phrases, and we all know what they mean: There is a limit to how meaningful words can be, and actions ultimately speak much louder.
And yet, as every leader knows, the words you say are by no means irrelevant. In fact, they can go a long way toward shaping morale, providing a sense of purpose, and unifying the members of your team.
That’s why I recently blogged about the things that transformational leaders should never say—and it’s why, today, I’m turning my attention to three things leaders really should say to their team members.
What Every Transformational Leader Should Say
- Look ahead. Employees often focus too much on short-term goals. Will I get a raise this year? What’s my next career move? How can I show my worth with this project? While these questions matter, they can distract from long-term planning. What are your ultimate career goals, and how can your actions today lead to lasting success? This is the type of forward-thinking guidance you should offer your employees, as it demonstrates your genuine investment in their future.
- Take charge of your career. One more way to show you care about your employees? Motivate them to take charge of their own growth. Make it clear that they control their careers, and their progress depends mostly on their efforts. Urge your employees to dedicate time to improve their skills, read, learn, and stay informed about the industry. If you can offer them training programs or workshops, that’s even better.
- Be curious. One more thing: Advise your team members to be curious. Ask questions, and don’t take ‘I don’t know’ or ‘that’s above your paygrade’ for an answer. Dig deep into the company and the industry and expand your horizons.
When you say these kinds of things to your employees, it shows them that you want them to be the best they can be, long-term—and, it provides them with a road map for making that happen.