How strong leaders speak (11 Powerful Phrases)
“A strong leader has the humility to listen, the confidence to challenge, and the wisdom to know when to quit arguing and to get on board.” – Kim Scott
Why it works
Kim Scott (pictured) is a former tech executive, author, and podcast host. Scott is best known for her bestselling book Radical Candor, which breaks effective leadership down into a simple notion: care personally, challenge directly. The idea is to genuinely care about the people you work with while also being willing to give them direct, honest feedback.
In her book, Scott challenges the traditional model of leadership based on hierarchy and fear. She shows that the best leaders create psychological safety, establish genuine connections, and employ direct feedback to unlock their team’s full potential. Her work teaches that leaders don’t succeed by being overly harsh (or soft), but by communicating with clarity, empathy, and trust.
Scott’s insights emphasize that the words leaders choose shape the culture of their teams and organizations. A leader’s language can either create fear and disengagement — or lead to loyalty, innovation, and peak performance. Here are 11 powerful phrases that strong leaders say in a healthy culture.
How to do it
1) “I trust your judgement.”
Shows confidence in their decisions and builds autonomy. When people feel trusted, they are more likely to take initiative and think creatively. It reinforces that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not reasons for losing trust.
2) “You take the lead on this.”
Gives them ownership and signals you believe in their abilities. It fosters leadership skills and shows that you’re willing to step back and let them shine. People often rise to the level of trust placed in them.
3) “What’s your perspective?”
Encourages thoughtful input and values their unique insights. It signals that their voice matters and that diverse viewpoints strengthen the final decision. Leaders who listen build more engaged and resilient teams.
4) “You’ve got this. I’m here if you need me.”
Balances encouragement with support when needed. It empowers independence while offering a safety net, helping team members stretch without fear of isolation or failure.
5) “I know you’re capable of handling this challenge.”
Affirms your faith in their abilities and potential. Hearing this from a leader can unlock self-confidence, especially during difficult moments when doubt might creep in.
6) “What do you need to be successful?”
Opens a dialogue to address their challenges or needs. It shifts the dynamic from evaluation to collaboration and shows a genuine investment in their success.
7) “Let’s take a moment to celebrate this win.”
Reinforces the importance of recognizing progress. Small celebrations fuel motivation, build momentum, and reinforce a culture where achievements are acknowledged and valued.
8) “Is anything standing in your way?”
Creates space for open dialogue while focusing on solutions. It moves beyond blame to problem-solving, making it easier for people to surface blockers without fear.
9) “Your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Recognizes their contributions and shows they’re valued. People are more motivated when they know their effort matters; this simple acknowledgment can have a lasting impact on morale.
10) “We’ll figure this out together.”
Emphasizes teamwork and shared problem-solving. It reminds people they’re not alone, and that setbacks are normal parts of collaborative growth, not personal failures.
11) “What’s one takeaway from this experience?”
Encourages reflection in an actionable way. By focusing on a single lesson, it keeps the learning practical and digestible, rather than overwhelming or overly critical.
The right words don’t just communicate tasks.
They shape mindsets, build trust, and unlock potential.
Master your words, master your leadership.