Carefully chosen message words can motivate your team to buy into your mission.
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A leader’s communication style is critical to building trust, which is the foundation of team motivation. The words and phrases a leader chooses can have a significant impact on their credibility and the clarity of their message.
Overuse or clichés can dilute your credibility and prevent you from truly connecting with your team and stakeholders. Lake Superior State University’s annual 2025 Banned Words List features several such terms. Understanding the pitfalls of these expressions can help leaders strengthen their communication strategies.
game changer
The term “game changer” originally referred to innovative ideas and innovations that dramatically change the status quo. However, its effectiveness has been diminished by its frequent application to minor improvements. How can anything be a “game changer” if everything is a “game changer”?
When leaders label every initiative as a “game changer,” they risk creating unrealistic expectations and failing to recognize the importance of truly transformative projects. This overuse can lead to skepticism among team members and even among consumers, who may question the judgment of leaders and the actual value of proposed changes.
I’m sorry, I’m sorry
The phrase “I’m sorry, but I’m sorry” conveys a false apology and often indicates insincerity or lack of accountability.
In leadership, accountability and a sincere apology are critical to building trust. Negative phrases like “I’m sorry, but I’m sorry” undermine a leader’s integrity and suggest a reluctance to accept responsibility or empathize with someone else’s point of view. This kind of language fosters a culture of insensitivity, where team members feel undervalued and unheard.
period
Used to emphasize a point, a “period” at the end of a statement can give an overly authoritative or negative impression.
Leaders need to be decisive, but they also need to encourage dialogue and cooperation through communication. Adding a “period” at the end of a statement may terminate further discussion and indicate that alternative viewpoints are not welcome. This approach can stifle innovation, prevent team members from contributing ideas, and ultimately hinder the organization’s growth.
100%
It has become common to use “100%” to express complete agreement or belief, and often lacks nuance.
Absolute terms like “100%” can oversimplify complex issues and ignore subtleties that require thoughtful consideration. Leaders who regularly use this type of language may appear inflexible or reluctant to accept different opinions. Adopting more measured language fosters open dialogue, demonstrates leaders’ willingness to engage with diverse perspectives, and fosters a more inclusive and innovative environment.
dropped
The word “drop” is increasingly being used to announce the release of everything from music and merchandise to social media posts and marketing campaigns. Originally associated with surprise and immediate excitement, overuse has diminished its impact.
As Lake Superior State University emphasizes, the term has become so pervasive that it often feels forced and taken out of context, especially in professional settings. For leaders, using “dropped” indiscriminately can reduce the importance of announcements and make important updates seem casual or unimportant. By choosing more accurate alternatives, leaders can emphasize the value and importance of communication.
Strengthen authentic communication
To keep your communications reliable and effective, consider the following strategies.
Choose your language carefully – Choose words that accurately reflect the importance of your message, and use high-impact terms only in situations where they are truly necessary. Encourage open dialogue – Use inclusive language that encourages discussion and values input from all team members. Phrases that encourage collaboration can lead to more innovative solutions and more engaged employees. Show accountability — Offer a sincere apology when appropriate and avoid negative language that can erode trust. Embrace nuance – Recognize the complexity of the situation and avoid absolute terms that can oversimplify issues. Recognizing nuance demonstrates critical thinking and a willingness to explore different sides of an issue.
By intentionally avoiding overused expressions, leaders can communicate more effectively. What words and phrases might you reconsider to improve your leadership communication?
