Leaders Stop speaking with the royal you

Leaders Stop speaking with the royal youLeaders Stop speaking with the royal youHow many times in an interview - particularly with athletes - have you heard a line likeYes, today was a big win. You try so hard all season and you give it your best on the field and you just have to appreciate what it takes to compete at this level.Hmm, I have a question. Who is you in this case? Who is the athlete talking about?During interviews, why do we often speak in the second person? Obviously, the athlete refers to himself or herself when saying, You try so hard all season. So why the royal you?Heres my assessment. When we are asked to talk about ourselves, we feel funny using I because it feels like bragging or speaking out of turn.I try so hard all season and I give it my best on the field.Instead, we insert a you to deflect attention or praise.But the you is a passive way to discuss the efforts of you and your team.As a leader in your organization, you may find yourself doing interviews wit h media or speaking to team members/clients. When those moments arise, catch yourself dropping you and instead opt for I and we.Heres an example of the wrong wayWhenyouland a big client, your next move is to make sureyouare prepared for the challenges ahead. As a team leader,younever know when issues will arise, butyouneed to be ready.Bleh. All the yous make the speaker seem passive and not in control of the situation.Lets try againWhenweland a big client, our next move is to make sureweare prepared for the challenges ahead. As a team leader,Inever know when issues will arise, butIneed to be ready.Now the quote feels like it comes from the speaker directly. The words appear mora assertive and confident, right?We replace I for you so much in our day-to-day conversations that the mistake often filters into our writing and public speaking too.Keep close watch on when you use you, take a pause and then switch to I.The best leaders speak with authenticity and from the heart.A steady dose of I will get you there.Thisarticlefirst appeared onDannyhrubin.com.