As leaders, we motivate by showing clear intentions and purpose. When it comes to our employees, motivation begins with what we say.

Marcel Schwantes, principal and founder of Leadership From the Core, lists 13 things leaders say to motivate their employees, and several are worth sharing. They include:

– I’ll follow up on that get back to you by Tuesday. The point is to set clear expectations. Good leaders follow through on their promises.

– I have good news and bad news. Good leaders are truth tellers – whether it’s good or bad news.

– What would you do in my situation? This isn’t a sign of weakness on the leader’s part. “It creates a space for authenticity and truth,” Schwantes writes.

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