Use neutral language and be a stronger coach

Posted: January 5, 2016 | Categories: Leadership, Team Building

If you are a boss or a leader, one of your main jobs is to build others and make them more successful.  Sometimes we need to re-direct our subordinates when they are falling short or simply being too complacent.  The question is:  How do we do this without creating resentment?  An important thing to keep in mind is using neutral language.  Corporate Coach University offers this explanation of what neutral language is.  Here is how they describe it:  Neutral language is…

• Without blame
• Does not evaluate
• Avoids directing or leading to your solution
• Is centered on facts

Here are some illustrations of neutral language:

Statement:  “Look, I’m trying to be helpful here but I don’t think you are listening to a word I am saying”

Converted to neutral language:  “I think I could be more helpful to you  than I have been – is there a better way for us to communicate?”

“Let’s take another look at the focus of this session – what could I help you with?”

Statement:  “This conversation is a re-run of the meeting we had last week.  Can you please get to the point and stop giving me this background?”

Converted to neutral language:  “What new information do you have since our last meeting?…I think I have all the facts I need -how can we move this discussion forward?”

Statement:  “Your performance is clearly better than any other employee, and you should have no problem in getting that promotion next year”

Converted to neutral language:  “What will you need to do to get a promotion next year?”.  “Sustaining your current performance could make you eligible to be considered for a promotion next year”

Consider the contrast between these statements.  If you were the recipient being coached, which one is more inspiring?  Neutral language challenges others to dig deep, take more ownership, and accelerate in their professional development.