
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t get along with your team, where everyone seems upset, defensive, or stressed?
In the book Daring Greatly, there’s a list of powerful phrases designed to foster trust and honest communication.
Using these phrases might make you feel vulnerable, but that’s the goal. Success requires taking risks and expressing your thoughts and feelings openly. You will find some of these phrases below and if you say this to a difficult team member, you might notice their defenses soften – like a verbal karate move.
Here are the 20 powerful phrases, grouped by their intended message:
Show That You’re Open To Learning
“I’d appreciate your feedback.”
“What’s your perspective on this?”
“How can I improve next time?”
“Can you show me how to do this?”
“I’d like to give it a try.”
Be Honest About Your Opinions And Values
“This matters to me.”
“I see it differently – can we discuss it?”
“This is what I need/this is how I feel.”
“That means a lot to me.”
Admit Responsibility
“Yes, I did it.”
“It didn’t work out, but I gained valuable insights.”
“I was involved in that.”
“I take responsibility for that.”
“I’m sorry.”
Admit That You Can’t Do It Alone
“I don’t know.”
“I need help.”
“I’m not sure how to handle this.”
Show Them Your Support
“I’m here to support you.”
“I’m here to help.”
“Let’s move forward.”
At Virtual Professionals, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is a key value. We understand that teamwork thrives when everyone feels connected and supported, so we make an effort to be as friendly and approachable as possible with all our team members. When we notice someone might be feeling left out, whether it’s due to a busy schedule or simply being overlooked, we take the initiative to reach out to them.
This is especially important for new team members, as we know the transition to a new role can sometimes feel overwhelming. By reaching out, we ensure they feel included and supported from the very beginning, helping them quickly build relationships and gain confidence within the team. This practice strengthens our team dynamic, creating a culture of openness, mutual respect, and collaboration.
Ready to grow as a virtual assistant in a supportive, inclusive team? Join Virtual Professionals today!