In a recent LinkedIn post, Cicely Simpson delves into the profound impact of a leader’s words, arguing that the right phrasing can significantly influence an individual’s career trajectory and overall work experience. Simpson emphasizes that while leadership development often focuses on what *not* to do, it frequently overlooks the crucial aspect of *what to say* instead.
Simpson’s post highlights a common oversight among leaders: underestimating the weight their words carry. She posits that traditional leadership training often provides a list of negative behaviors to avoid, such as being dismissive, taking undue credit, or leading from fear, but fails to offer constructive alternatives.
“Too many leaders do not realize how much weight their words carry.”
To address this gap, Simpson presents a curated list of 14 phrases designed to foster strong leadership, explaining the underlying principle for each. These phrases are intended to move beyond simply avoiding negative actions to actively promoting a positive and effective leadership environment.
Cultivating Trust and Ownership
A key theme in Simpson’s analysis is how specific language can build trust and encourage ownership within a team. She suggests that empowering language not only removes obstacles but also fosters a sense of responsibility and capability among team members.
Empowering Phrases in Action
Simpson offers concrete examples of phrases that achieve this. For instance, asking, “What do you need from me to succeed?” is presented as a proactive way to identify and remove potential performance barriers before they arise. Similarly, stating, “I trust your judgment”, is highlighted as a method for fostering ownership, as Simpson notes, “People own what they are trusted with.”
“I trust your judgment.” ↳ People own what they are trusted with.
Another powerful sentiment shared by Simpson is the value of vulnerability and collaboration. The phrase, “I don’t have all the answers; let’s figure it out together”, is framed as an invitation for the team to step up and engage actively, demonstrating that admitting uncertainty can actually strengthen the team dynamic. According to Simpson, “Admitting what you don’t know is what makes a team step up.”
Encouraging Growth and Feedback
Simpson also underscores the importance of creating an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures, and where feedback is actively sought and valued. This approach, she argues, is essential for genuine team development and innovation.
Fostering a Safe Environment for Learning
The principle of encouraging open feedback and learning from errors is evident in phrases like, “It’s okay to get this wrong, just tell me early.” Simpson explains that teams who fear mistakes tend to hide them, which prevents timely resolution and learning. She asserts that leaders who create psychological safety, by asking questions like “What am I missing?”, are better equipped to identify blind spots and foster an open feedback culture.
“It’s okay to get this wrong, just tell me early.” ↳ Teams that fear mistakes hide them instead of fixing them.
Furthermore, Simpson emphasizes the impact of specific, genuine praise. She suggests that detailing *why* something was done well, as in “You did that well, and here’s exactly why”, is far more effective than vague compliments. This specificity, Simpson argues, reinforces desired behaviors and helps team members understand the impact of their contributions. The post also touches on the importance of leaders stepping back to allow their teams to grow, exemplified by the phrase, “Take the lead. I’m here if you need me.”
The Lasting Impact of Communication
Concluding her post, Cicely Simpson reiterates that a leader’s communication style is the tangible experience their team has of their leadership. The words chosen, she explains, shape expectations and either build or break the trust necessary for followership.
“How you communicate is the leadership your team feels and experiences, day to day.”
While acknowledging that these phrases are not a panacea for all leadership challenges, Simpson presents them as a foundational starting point. For those seeking to internalize these principles, she directs readers to her Leadership Accelerator program, LeaderOS, which aims to transform these concepts into ingrained leadership systems.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Cicely Simpson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on October 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →