High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 8 Simple Words Great Leaders Use Daily

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 8 Simple Words Exceptional Leaders Use Each & Every Day: "Asking for help shows vulnerability, respect, and a willingness to listen--all are qualities of a great leader. And all are qualities you hope your employees exhibit."

• 7 Effective Ways to Initiate & Cultivate Business Referrals: "It is crucial from the start of any new business relationship, that we establish it to be reciprocal. We must be prepared to ask how we can refer business to others as well."

• The Painful Cycle of Employee Loneliness, and How it Hurts Companies: "loneliness is different from depression, being alone, or feelings of solitude. It has more to do with a person’s quality of social relationships rather than their quantity."

• 8 Tips to Improve Team Collaboration: "If teams are important for your organization, you need to do what you can to facilitate their effectiveness. Make sure open communication exists. Create opportunities for all voices to be heard."
• 4 Tips for Listening (That Even an Extrovert Can Master): "Now, in every meeting, whether I’m with a group or in a 1:1, I make it a point to ask questions instead of make statements. It has drastically changed the dynamic in the room and has allowed me to grow closer with my entire team."

3 Ways Our Words Sabotage Our Success

The language we use and ways we speak can significantly impact our well-being and our chances for success. Our words inform both our view of ourselves and our view of the people around us.

Therefore, it is important to evaluate how we speak to ourselves and how our words might be inhibiting our happiness and success in our life and career.

Let’s consider three ways we sabotage ourselves with our language.

I can’t. When we use the words “I can’t” we immediately make it nearly impossible for us to overcome a challenge, whether we’re suggesting that we can’t change or can’t learn a new skill or can’t get in better physical condition or can’t overcome our fears … we are right. By saying “I can’t” we’ve confirmed in our minds that we cannot be successful. In fact, there is no point in saying the words “I can’t” aloud. Once those words have become part of the way you think of yourself you’ve already handcuffed your opportunities.

But. Once you start adding the word “but” into a sentence you’re qualifying or minimizing the statement made previously, and avoiding full responsibility. ‘I would have completed the project on schedule but our developers were delayed” or “I could manage this project but Robert has more time available right now.” Using the word “but” prevents you from taking ownership over yourself, a project, and your career.

They or he or she. When you develop a habit of talking about other people you run into the possibility that you are gossiping about them, seeking to minimize their achievements in order to boost your ego, or comparing your performance with theirs. None of these ways of thinking or speaking about other people can benefit your or your career. You will develop a reputation as a gossip who cannot be trusted, will develop a habit of putting others down or failing to recognize their achievements, or will unnecessarily criticize yourself because you believe your accomplishments are not as significant as those around you.

To be successful in your life and career watch the words you say, both aloud and to yourself. Avoid claims that you can’t accomplish your goals, take full responsibility for yourself and don’t minimize your actions, and make an effort to compare yourself with no one else.

Focus on positive and encouraging words that build you up and strengthen those around you.