To be a good leader, we need to master and put into practice the basics.  The basics of good leadership start and end with how we communicate and interact with our teams and our customers.  I offer my list of six expressions that we all need to use on a regular basis.

1. I Don’t Know
   1. This expression carries with it both honesty and humility.  We do not and should not have all the answers.  When we admit that we don’t know, we allow our team to also admit when they don’t have all the answers.
2. I Was Wrong
   1. This is another expression that shows our honesty and humility.  When we admit to mistakes, we open the door to learning and improvement. 
3. I’m Sorry
   1. Apologies are vital to strong interpersonal and customer relationships.  If we make a mistake or neglect to do something, a forthright apology (followed by improved behavior) goes a long way to making up for what we (or our team) did or did not do.
4. What Can We Do Better?
   1. As leaders, we need to support and help our teams win.  Asking this question ensures that our teams know that we want to help and that we want to be better.  This is a forward-looking expression.  We are not trying to cast blame; we are trying to improve.
5. Great Work!
   1. Compliments are vital to success.  Unfortunately, most employees hear criticisms far more than compliments.  As good leaders, we need to regularly compliment our teams for jobs well done.
6. Thank You
   1. The final and most important two words for leaders.  We need to thank our teams for their great work, and we need to thank our customers for their business.  Without our teams and without our customers, we have no business.  So, regular thanks are in order.

Conclusion

We can all improve our leadership by remembering and putting into practice these six simple expressions.  Thank you.