You Are Not Sorry
(5 Minute Read)
Dear Reader,
Smart business owners know that their week doesn’t begin on Monday morning. It starts long before with how you prepare your mindset. That’s why today, we're delving into a topic that can change your business and personal brand: how to use power language.
If you want to feel more confident in an important client presentation, a job interview, or leading your team, this is for you.
It’s a known fact that many people tend to use self-minimizing language unnecessarily in the workplace. I know I’ve done it. You probably have, too.
Things like:
- Saying you’re sorry for not understanding an assignment
- Apologizing when you’ve really just misunderstood a statement
- Asking if someone ‘understands' what you’ve said to obtain acknowledgement
- Saying you ‘think’ or that something ‘might’ be a problem, instead of claiming your beliefs
These statements are all examples of negative responses that we may default to if we’re not careful. The problem is, if we’re throwing out self-minimizing language simply because it’s our go-to language, we’re diminishing our personal brand and losing the respect of others, as well as their belief that we can perform at our peak.
Regardless of whether you own your own business or are a C-suite employee, though, we have to self-advocate. When we don’t, we miss out on promotions, praise, and ultimately, profits. We’re going dig into what this looks like, and how we can replace negative language with words that will empower us and inspire others.
Self-Minimizing Language: The Confidence Killer
In our quest to connect and be approachable, we often unknowingly use words that undermine our authority and reduce our impact. We may lean on phrases like:
"I'm no expert in this, but..."
"Does that make sense?"
"I just wanted to check..."
“I’m so sorry! I wanted to…”
The challenge is, if you don’t sound like you don’t believe in yourself, why should someone else? By eliminating these phrases from our conversations and presentations, however, we’ll project confidence and authenticity, capturing the attention and respect of those around us.
Empowering Words: Unleashing Your True Potential
Now that we recognize the self-minimizing language, let's explore alternative options that empower and assert our expertise, instead using phrases like:
"Based on my experience and expertise..."
"To clarify, what questions do you have?"
"I wanted to ensure everyone is on the same page..."
“Thanks for your patience! Let’s…”
If you're up against a daunting task or project, things are bound to happen. Plan for accidents. Have a joke ready, take a pause, or acknowledge something didn’t go as expected. By using empowering language instead of belittling ourselves, we establish our personal brand as knowledgeable professionals, instilling trust and inspiring others to value our contributions.
Subconscious Strategies Create Change
While consciously changing our language is vital to our professional success, we can also tap into the power of our subconscious brains to reinforce these positive changes. Through repeated use of empowering language, we rewire our mindset and reinforce our newfound confidence. Over time, this process will become second nature, continuing to propel growth.
5 Ways to Replace the ‘Tapes’
To rewire your mindset, replace negative ‘tapes’, and boost your confidence, here are 5 strategies you can use right now:
1. Positive Affirmations: Start your day by repeating empowering affirmations, such as "I am fully capable of leading," "I bring value to the table," or "My thoughts and opinions matter." Over time, these affirmations will shape your self-perception and reinforce your confidence.
2. Visualization: Visualize yourself confidently engaging in professional situations, whether it's leading a meeting, presenting a project, or engaging in discussions. Imagine the positive outcomes and feelings associated with these scenarios, reinforcing your confident mindset.
3. Celebrate Your Achievements: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, big or small. Recognize your strengths and the value you bring to your work. By focusing on your achievements, you build a subconscious foundation of confidence and self-belief and replace negative ‘tapes’ with positive ones.
4. Create a Support System: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Seek out mentors, coaches, or colleagues who can provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback. Their belief in you will reinforce your own self-confidence, allowing you to grow your strengths and personal power.
5. Practice Your Words: Consistently using empowering language in everyday interactions cannot be emphasized enough, because you have to replace old tapes with new ones. Create an ‘if this, then that’ plan to replace self-minimizing phrases with confident and assertive statements.
To strengthen your communication skills, try practicing these language changes in both professional and personal settings.
How Power Talk Impacts Profit
Confidence is not a trait reserved for a select few; in fact, it's a skill that can be developed and honed. Managers need confidence because it helps to establish credibility and assure team members of their abilities. And a smooth-running team works more efficiently. As a business owner, confidence from power talk will allow you to think quickly, trust your judgment and make decisive choices, even in the face of uncertainty. And when you radiate self-assurance, you are more likely to take calculated risks, step outside your comfort zone, and seize opportunities that come your way.
We get to decide what words we speak to others and to ourselves. Choose power-building words, and find language builds confidence, assures employees, and inspires customers to feel you are the best choice to lead them in whatever you do as a business.
Words matter, both to your personal brand, and your bottom line. Choose wisely.
Cheers,
Cassandra
PS: my new business growth & personal branding cohort has started. If you'd like to learn more, apply for a call.