In Leadership Words Matter. Here's a Personal Fave
What words drive you a little bonkers when it comes to leadership?
“Try” is one of mine. It’s like a permission slip for partial commitment.
I cringe inside every time I hear it. (Even when I use it, and sometimes I do, I stop in my tracks, consider what I really mean, and rephrase it.)
“I’ll try.”
“We’ll try.”
“Let’s try to make it happen.”
What does 'try' really say to someone?
🤷♀️ Maybe I will.
🤷♀️ Maybe I won’t.
🤷♂️ I’ll see what happens.
🤷♂️ It’s not important enough to me to make happen.
🤷 I’ll give it some effort, but I’m leaving myself with an out.
In leadership, words matter. And “try” can signal hesitation, optionality, and most importantly: a lack of ownership before you’ve even begun.
Ownership doesn’t mean we can guarantee an outcome. Of course we can’t.
But we can own our effort if something (or someone) is important.
Commit. Show up. Follow through. Adjust when needed.
And if it doesn’t work? Learn, recalibrate, and move forward.
But please don’t hide behind try.
Own your effort.
I’d love to hear what words make you cringe every time you hear them! Share ‘em in the comments.
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