| By someone who has been known to let a few choice four-letter words fly… but these aren’t the ones you’re thinking of. You may know that every year I pick three words to guide me for the next 12 months. But this year? I’m also choosing the words I’m kicking right on out of my vocabulary. Because some of the most dangerous words in leadership aren’t the ones your mama washed your mouth out with soap for saying. They’re the tiny, sneaky, “I’m-just-trying-to-be-nice” words that shrink us, drain our energy, or straight-up lie to us about what we’re capable of. So in 2026, I’m declaring a full-on four-letter word exorcism.Here are the words that have. to. go. |
| 1. JUST “Oh hey, I’m just following up…”“I’m just checking in…”“I’m just a supervisor/manager/newbie…” Go ahead and insert whatever title you shrink behind the most — we all have one. Y’all. JUST is the minivan of language — useful sometimes, but absolutely killing your swagger. Anytime you say “just,” you’re basically apologizing for existing. And I don’t know who needs to hear this, but: You don’t need to shrink to make anyone else more comfortable. Swap it for: “I’m following up.”“I’m checking in.”“I’m ready for the next step.”Boom. Clean. Confident. No apology required. |
| 2. CAN’T A classic. A fan favorite. A liar. Most of the time, “can’t” really means: “I don’t want to.”“I don’t know how yet.”“I’m scared to try.”“I’m about to give you an excuse dressed up like a limitation.” But when we say “can’t,” our brain stops looking for options. It shuts the door, locks it, and tosses the key into the bayou. As leaders, we don’t always get to choose our circumstances — but we do choose our response. And “can’t” is the linguistic equivalent of rolling over and playing possum. Swap it for: “I’m not doing that right now.”“I’m learning how.”“I’m figuring out the next step.”“I choose not to.”See the difference? That’s ownership talking. |
| 3. BUSY This one feels productive. It feels respectable. It feels like it should earn us a gold star. But when someone asks, “How are you?” and we answer, “Busy,” what we’re really announcing is: My hair’s on fire.I have no control. Please send help or caffeine. I’ve surrendered to chaos and it’s not even Mardi Gras. “Busy” zaps your energy, reinforces overwhelm, and puts you in reactive mode — not leader mode. And honestly? People are tired of hearing it. It’s one of those answers that sounds acceptable… but doesn’t actually say anything. Swap it for: “I’m focused.”“I’m full — in a good way.”“I’m choosing what gets my energy right now.” Those words shift your power back to YOU. |
| 4. TRY Okay, I realize this is technically a three-letter word. But stick with me — it still causes four-letter–word level trouble. (Ask me how I know.) Oof. This one stings.“Try” feels safe. It gives us wiggle room. It keeps us from having to commit. But “I’ll try” really means “I’m giving myself an out before I’ve even begun.” It’s leadership limbo — you’re not in, you’re not out, and nothing grows in the mushy middle. Leaders don’t “try.” Leaders decide. Swap it for: “I will.”“I won’t.”“I’m committed.”“I’m choosing not to.” Clean edges. No mushy middle. |
| 5. FINE You know – the other “F word.” Bless it. “Fine” is the emotional beige paint of language. “I’m fine.” “It’s fine.” “We’re fine.” Nothing is fine. Nothing is fine. You’re wearing two different shoes — not that I’ve done this… okay, I have. But navy and black pumps look exactly the same when you’re rushing out the door. Just sayin’. “Fine” disconnects us from ourselves and from others.It keeps us from asking for help.It shuts down the chance for anyone to support you — and people want to feel helpful. Plus, you miss a golden opportunity to build trust. When you’re real and let people help, they see you’re human too. Swap it for: “I’m stretched.”“I’m grateful.”“I’m navigating a lot right now, but I’m good.”“I’m energized.” Say what’s real — without dumping your whole diary. |
| Why This Matters for Leadership Because language is leadership.The words you reach for become the way you show up. Every time you use a minimizing word, you dim your own light — and trust me, the world is dim enough already. We need leaders who take up space, speak with clarity, and choose words that fuel rather than flatten. So as we head into 2026, consider giving your vocabulary a little pruning. Your voice is your choice — so choose words that reflect the leader you’re becoming, not the one you’re outgrowing. |
