If you want to be perceived as strong leaders at your work, you should focus not only on your behavior but also on your vocabulary. What you say should motivate and inspire others, inspire their confidence and self-esteem. What, then, not to say if you don't want to destroy your own professional image? Forbes.com recommends to avoid the following statements.

"It is not fair."

Even if you become a victim of an unfair conduct, do not complain. Take a proactive approach so that anything like that happens in the future.

"It's not in my job description."

The aim of leadership should be to help others succeed. Try to think how you would feel if you had asked someone for help and he told you that it was not his problem.

"No problem."

The English phrase "No problem" has become a common part of conversations even in our country. However, no matter whether you use it in English or in Czech, you should not use it as a response to being acknowledged. When someone thanks you, say: "You are welcome" or "It was my pleasure." When you say "No problem", you are just indicating that there might have been a problem and belittling the acknowledgement expressed to you.

"I will try."

The people around you do not want to hear that you will try something (i.e. that you may be unsuccessful). They are interested in what you will do.

"I hate my colleagues." / "I hate my job."

Try to avoid any generally negative appraisal of others. If you have a legitimate complaint against someone or something, talk about it deliberately and without emotions.

"I can't do anything."

Have you really tried all the options? If you keep repeating that something can't be done, employees will perceive that very soon and they will consider you a pessimist who fails to perceive that even difficult situations have their positive aspects.

"Maybe I am wrong, but..." / "...don’t you think?"

If you have something to say, say it confidently. Doubts about what you are saying reduce the credibility of both yourself and your message.

"I do not have time."

Even if you really don't have time, don't say it this way. Offer a different time when you can visit the person who wants to talk with you or when he/she can contact you.

Try a simple exercise: Record yourself when you are talking on the phone, in a meeting, etc. Then ask a trusted colleague to monitor your verbal communication and warn you of your potential bad habits. You may be surprised by what you will hear.

-kk-