The way leaders talks is vitally important for the health of their company, church, or whatever and whomever they are leading. Ultimately, as the Bible repeatedly points out, words can either build someone up or tear them down. Choose wisely!

What a leader says is often just as important as how a leader asks. People working underneath someone are often very sensitive to the tone and speech of their leader. If the leader constantly criticizes or demeans people with their words, it becomes a very difficult working environment. In many ways, it’s just like a parent-child relationship. A child will often feel overwhelmed, hurt, and anxious if they live in a home with parents who are constantly cutting them down with words. Obviously, such a situation is far from ideal. So, what are some things a leader should never say—if anything? Here are 10 things a leader should never say.

1. Do as I say, not as I do
   I’m sure everyone has heard this from a boss or parent before. It’s annoying, to say the least. Such a statement automatically absolves the leader from any type of accountability. Although they expect the people under them to do certain things, they themselves never do it. However, a leader should also be willing to do the jobs (and know how to do the jobs) of the people that work for them. From the pastor to the CEO, no leader is exempt from this. So, stop telling people they should just do whatever you tell them to. Some people like to see their leader do it first—so find out what type of workers you have and how best to communicate with them.
2. You never do anything right
   This statement is just a blatant complaint, and more often than not a gross exaggeration. People in general should stay away from using words like “never” or “always” when criticizing people. Yes, it’s fine to give criticism, but there is a way to do it with grace. Saying that a worker “never” does anything right is deliberately trying to cut them with words. Instead, point out some things that they do right and then point out some things that need work. You still get your point across, but you do so without hurting and demeaning the worker.
3. I’m the boss
   If you have to tell people this, than something is automatically wrong with the situation.

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