ELI Group's Blog

The Power of Language

In our roles as executive coaches, we strive to enhance the leadership impact of our clients.  A significant tool at our disposal is langauge – word choice.  At the leadership level, the way we work is through talk.  No matter your academic or technical expertise, a leader works through communicating – both written and verbal.  So, if the way we work is through talk, then we can assess how effectively we are working by how effectively we are “talking.”

Our word choice  signals subtle messages.  At times, it is the smallest words that can be the most powerful. For example, the choice between “why” and “how.”  Both question words, both 3 letters, both in common daily use; however, they have a very different impact on the target of our question. 

• Why – signals to defend your idea.  “Why would we do that?”  This question puts the target of our question on the defense to explain the thought/idea.
• How - signals an invitation to say more.  “How would we do that?”  This question signals curiosity and interest.

Both are very valid options and signals. The question is are we thoughtful about what we are signaling and are we choosing our words intentionally.  As we speed through our conversations (both one-on-one and in meetings), are we being as effective as we can be?  With more intentionality on our word choice, we are assured to more closely signal the intent of our message.