The Important Words A Leader Should Use

The Key to Authentic Leadership

The key to authentic leadership is to listen to your followers, and then open the door for them to lead themselves. The secret is empowerment. The main incentive is genuine caring and recognition.

The five most important words a leader can speak are: “I am proud of you.”

The four most important are: “What is your opinion?”

The three most important are: “If you please.”

The two most important are: “Thank You.”

And the most important single word of all is: “You!”

This week, be generous in your use of words that nurture trust in you as a caring leader.

—Denis Waitley