Lead by example, not by showing samples. Do you agree with this saying?

Leaders, anywhere in the world, should be the real and true role model for their subordinates. That being said, their action and behaviour should be explicable in order to drive a successful team. This common wisdom, however, cannot 100 percent be applicable if leaders say “wrong phrases or use harsh language”. 

According to Isaac Oates as cited in Business News Daily, words, language, or phrases are also important in creating and improving morale within a team. Through words we communicate our intentions, Oates said, they are also the main tools for sharing our vision with teams which is equally important to “leading by example”.

See also: Peer-to-Peer Recognition & How It Changes the Workforce

In addition, words are also impacting how employees see their self-worth in an organisation. Phrases like ‘great job or well done’, however, are vague and useless, commented Mark Murphy, a founder of Leadership IQ and an author. Phrases like ‘good job’ only have little pedagogical value. It also sounds like you don’t completely appreciate everything your team accomplished. So instead, Murphy said, leaders should reinforce specific positive phrases when warranted such as these alternative phrases.

Alternative praising phrases

1. The way you rearrange the proposal has led to more understanding to our clients (be as detailed as possible about the achievements). They are excellent. Well done!
2. You always find a smart way over difficult solution. This is fantastic!
3. It is amazing how you help your colleagues.
4. You put such detailed on explaining the customers/clients. You’ve done an impressive job.
5. What a great individual you are! Always stay front and act quickly to show initiative. Keep it that way.

Alternative thanking phrases

1. Thank you for being so flexible.
2. I am grateful for you always take extra work when no one else did not. But please pay attention to your health.  
3. You’ve done well and beyond expectations. (It must be tiring to take such excessive expectations). Please do take the rest of the day off.
4. Thank you for always willing to lend a hand. This is something that not many people can do.
5. You’ve really made a difference here. I am thankful you join our team.

Alternative encouraging phrases

1. Having you on the team makes a huge difference.
2. I could not think of it better than the way you did. Great job!
3. Keep up the great work, be happy, and stay healthy.
4. You play a crucial role in the team. Stay focused and keep up the well-done job.
5. It is refreshing to have you and your humour (other encouraging traits) in our team. And let’s stay relevant to that and our goals. 

Key takeaways

A team is motivated and engaged more when their leaders give example and stay relevant to what they conveyed. Words you said also impact the way employees perceive the workplace culture and behaviour. Being as detailed and encouraging as possible is one way to successfully recognising your team’s hard work. Another way is by putting added comment and motivation through your words.

“Doling out meaningless praise is guaranteed to work against you. But if you offer specific positive reinforcement when warranted, you’ll keep your high performers inspired.” – Mark Murphy 

Read also: Giving Recognition in Digital Workplace