How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never had One

6How to Speak (and Write) Like a Leader

Leaders lead. They don't ask for permission. They don't try to convince. They don't seek validation or approval. They don't cajole or patronize. They just know, and they just do. They operate with complete confidence and a calm, cool, and kind attitude in the public eye at all times. This is what good leaders do, and they do it by the way they talk.

Good Leaders Talk Like This, Not That

Communicate with Assuredness, Not Uncertainty

Perhaps. Maybe. Possibly. Might Be.  Purge words of uncertainty from your speech because that uncertainty shows a lack of commitment. To present yourself as a leader, you must speak with assuredness. What you say is fact, even if it is just your opinion. You are the leader, so your word goes.

I Think. I Feel. Maybe.  Saying these words is not a wise move. They relinquish your soft power and even cause people to doubt your hard power. You'll seem like an incapable leader, so an underling who feels they can do a better job will work to undermine you.

Leaders don't ask for permission. Asking for permission implies powerlessness; who are you seeking validation from? The one who has real power over you? No—you're the power. You're the decision‐maker.

Likewise, don't try and cajole anyone. You don't need to talk anyone into following you; you know what action to take and take that action in the public eye at all times. Good leaders talk like they're in charge; they don't beg for permission.

Hold Frame; Don't ...