"Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny." — Frank Outlaw
What You'll Learn
The language we use doesn't just describe our reality — it creates it. As leaders, our words have the power to either anchor teams in past problems or propel them toward future possibilities. When we understand this distinction, we gain access to one of the most powerful and overlooked tools in leadership: intentional language that moves people forward.
The Power of Forward-Moving Language
Research suggests that the most effective leaders dedicate significant time to long-term thinking and future possibilities. John Kotter's work highlights how transformational leaders focus on setting direction rather than maintaining current operations, while Jim Collins found his "Level 5 Leaders" maintain a dual time horizon—addressing current realities while building for the future.
Why? Because our brains respond differently to forward-moving language. Neuroscience tells us that when we focus on possibilities rather than problems, we activate the brain's reward centers rather than its threat response. This creates a biochemical environment more conducive to innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Three Language Shifts That Create Movement
1. From Past-Focused to Future-Focused
Instead of:
"We've always struggled with this..."
"Last quarter's numbers were disappointing..."
"That approach failed before..."
Try:
"Here's what's possible now..."
"Next quarter, we'll focus on..."
"What we learned enables us to..."
This shift acknowledges where you've been but places emphasis on where you're going. It transforms historical challenges from anchors into launching pads.
2. From Problem-Centered to Possibility-Centered
Instead of:
"The biggest obstacle we face is..."
"Our main challenge right now..."
"What's getting in our way..."
Try:
"Our biggest opportunity is..."
"The next level for us looks like..."
"What will enable our success..."
This doesn't mean ignoring problems — it means reframing them as opportunities for innovation and growth. The problem-centered approach often leads to defensive postures, while possibility-centered language invites creative solutions.
3. From Static to Dynamic
Instead of:
"This is how things are..."
"Our current situation..."
"The reality we face..."
Try:
"This is how things are moving..."
"Our evolving situation..."
"The opportunities emerging..."
Static language suggests permanence — that today's reality is fixed. Dynamic language recognizes that everything is in motion, creating openings for influence and change.
Building Momentum Through Language
The true test of forward-moving language is whether it creates momentum. Here are practical applications for your leadership:
Meeting Language
When leaders transform their team meeting language, participation increases dramatically. Make these three simple shifts:
Opening with possibilities rather than problems
Instead of starting with "Let's discuss the challenges we're facing," begin with "Let's explore the opportunities ahead of us."
Framing challenges as invitations for innovation
Rather than "Our fundraising is behind target," reframe as "We have an opportunity to innovate our fundraising approach."
Ending with clear next steps and forward movement
Replace vague conclusions with specific forward actions: "By Friday, we'll each identify three potential partners for our new initiative."
Written Communications
Written language can either energize or deflate. Try these approaches:
Lead with vision and opportunity
Begin emails and documents with the possibility you're moving toward rather than the problem you're moving away from.
Connect current actions to future outcomes
Help people see how today's work creates tomorrow's results.
Emphasize progress and momentum
Highlight movement rather than status: "We've moved from 40% to 55% completion" rather than "We're still 45% incomplete."
Individual Conversations
One manufacturing leader I worked with dramatically improved team engagement through one-on-one conversation shifts:
Ask future-focused questions
"What would success look like?" rather than "Why isn't this working?"
Acknowledge the present while pointing toward possibility
"I see where we are now, and I can also envision where we could be."
Use language that empowers action
"What's one step you could take today?" rather than "Why haven't we made progress?"
Your Leadership Challenge
This week:
Audit your language patterns for past vs. future focus. Record a meeting you lead or ask a trusted colleague to note your language tendencies.
Experiment with reframing one challenging situation using forward-moving language. Notice how it changes your own thinking.
Observe how different language choices affect team energy and engagement. What language creates lift? What creates drag?
As you practice intentional language, you'll discover that your words don't just describe reality — they create it. Your choice of language can transform resignation into engagement, problems into possibilities, and stagnation into movement.
Remember: The future belongs to those who can see it coming. Your language helps others see it too.
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