10 things you should never tell a boss

"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter, is the difference between the firefly and lightning," wrote Mark Twain.

Like it or not, the words you use can seriously affect your ability to succeed. And that's especially true for leaders.

"The most successful leaders can articulate the mission of your organization and express it in ways that inspire others to achieve," says Darlene Price, president of Well Said, Inc., and author of Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results.

"Although other traits, behaviors, and skills needed for leadership, this is the top of the list."

He says that great leaders embrace the power of speech.

"They understand the impact of the spoken word and how it affects the minds and hearts of people."

Therefore, commonly used positive and effective phrases Cunado speak with your team, as:

"Here is our mission", "your role is critically important because ...", "I want to know what you think", "how can I help?" "Together we can ...", "congratulations" and "thank you."

"Conversely, there are certain hurtful words and phrases that leaders never say," Price explains.

Here are 10 of them:

"I'm the boss."

"Announcing this, the invalid," says Price. "Like former prime minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher once said," Power is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, then you're not '".

Declare your title implies an attitude that says, "no doubt. No arguments. We will do things my way. "

"Great leaders are followed and admired, while dictators are feared and despised," says Price. "Of course you're the boss, but say it does not. Instead, use your power to empower others. Question, 'what do you need to be successful?' or 'what I can do to help?' ".

"Not my fault"

The best leaders take responsibility for their actions. No point to anyone, not make excuses nor other cast blame. "Although no one likes to feel guilt, a great leader absorbs shock demonstrates responsibility and leads the team towards a solution," he says. "Instead of blaming the previous administration, the previous administration, other departments or the economy, says 'let's talk about what we will do to ensure success.'"

As Henry Ford said, "Do not find fault, find a remedy."

"I will myself"

Leadership is not a solo act, says Price. "This attitude relates significantly to the habit 'do it yourself' (DIY), it may be good to improve the house but not to improve leadership. The higher you put the corporate ladder, the less you do personally as an individual contributor; while you do more through and for others. "

He says the goal is to put the right people in the right places and allow them to succeed.

"I know, I thought of everything"

As once said the legendary basketball coach John Wooden, "is what you learn after you know it all that counts."

"Avoid discarding or discounting the contribution of others with a smug attitude," says Price. "Even if you do not, remain teachable. When you receive and value the intelligence and employee contributions, the beams look good and feel smart. "

"Failure is not an option"

"This slogan can function as the creed of the Center for Mission Control at NASA and the title of the autobiography of Gene Kranz," says Price. "However, when a leader utters this phrase in business, is often interpreted as 'mistake is not allowed.' "

This attitude inflicts fear in followers, restricts creativity and inhibits innovation. Great leaders allowed;even encourage, people fail forward; to make mistakes in building blocks, trampolines accidents. "This is why Thomas J. Watson, founder of IBM, advised, 'the way to succeed is to double your failure rate." Or as Arianna Huffington says, "failure is not the opposite of success; is part of success. "

"That's not how we do it here"

Successful leaders are passionate about innovation; find a better way of doing something.

"In fact, Steve Jobs said," Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. " For this reason, the best leaders value employees who demonstrate creative thinking, flexibility and problem solving skills, "Price explains.

"These phrases, at one stroke, reveal that are the opposite: stuck in the past with old, inflexible and narrow-minded thinking."

Even if you do not agree with the idea of ​​someone, instead say, "wow, that's an interesting idea. How would that work? "Or," that's a different approach. Discuss the pros and cons. "

"I want results, not relationships"

Great leaders know that the results produced by people, which requires building strong relationships with employees, leaders, customers, business partners, vendors and other key parts. "Just as in the dictionary, relationships come before the results," says Price.

"I do not care if it's unethical. If not illegal, do it"

Great leaders do not encourage or condone the corrupt and unethical behavior for the sake of achieving financial or organizational goals. "The 'end justifies the means' is no excuse for deliberate deception, disregard for company policies, compliance and malfeasance," says Price. "Instead say, 'do the right thing.'"

As Abraham Lincoln said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

"Do not bring me bad news or surprises"

Saying this does not make the bad news and surprises disappear; it just means that people hide a time bomb under the rug. "Great leaders want to know the problems that need immediate attention; therefore say 'if there is bad news or surprises, let me be the first to know.' "

Price says, "create an environment in which people are expected to pose problems as they emerge, rather than hide them. As former Secretary of State of the United States, Colin Powell, told his team, "the bad news is not like wine. No better with time '. "

"You're lucky to have a job here"

This statement destroys momentum and morale killer. It implies you do a favor to employ a debt and have the privilege of working for you. "It depends on the employee to decide if that's true," he says. Instead try something like "we are fortunate to have you on our team."

Price says that a common denominator of great leaders is that their words and actions inspire others to "dream more, learn more, do more and become more," as John Quincy Adams said.

"That's why they are seen as leaders, the combination of communication and character force people to follow The best leaders deliberately choose specific words to say and not say, to maximize their ability to achieve results through people." .