7 Statements Leaders Should Think Twice About Before Saying

How often do you say something that later comes back to smack you? For most of us, that has happened more than once! Here are 7 statements you may want to think twice about before saying them to others. 

1. “I quit.” Don’t use it unless you are very certain about and prepared for what is next. 

2. “I never.” Are you sure you never will or never did? Remember, never means NEVER! 

3. “I always.” Really? You always do something? Every single time in your life? I doubt it. 

4. “I demand.” Before you demand something, you need to make sure you have the authority and power to back it up.  

5. “I promise.” A promise is a good thing – but only if you live up to it. A broken promise kills your credibility far more than no promise.   

6. “I guarantee.” This is even stronger than a promise! If you offer it, you need to ensure that it happens. No excuses. 

7. “I know.” This is often used in two ways – I know how you feel and I know what I am talking about. Either way, if you say “I know,” it better be true.

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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.