Today listen to people speak and count how many times you hear “I” in the conversation. “I think”, “I believe”, “I want.” The use of “I”  undermines your leadership potential.

When crating your messages make them about your listener. When the message is about those you are trying to impact then it has a better chance to be heard and acted upon. People are naturally self invested. They are always more interested in things that affect them. Switching the “I” to “You” makes your message be automatically directed towards the recipient.

Successful leaders know that to affect others, they must get them emotionally invested. Take a few moments to think about who your listeners are, what they are like and what motivates them. When you know whom you are trying to persuade then you can craft the right message towards that specific audience.

There is a big difference between “I want to go on vacation” and “you are in need of much deserved vacation.” Get rid of the “I” and see immediate results.