Leadership Coach Tips: Create Connection & IMPACT with 6 Simple Phrases

Me exploring Chicago's cityscape with a sense of hope and positivity, inspired by the quote: "Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people."

Loneliness. Disconnection. Disengagement.

These are common sentiments lately, and it goes beyond our “feelings”.  Gallup’s recently released State of the Workplace 2025 report highlights that 69% of US and Canadian employees are disengaged, and 48% are struggling or suffering in life right now.  Disconnection in the workplace affects performance, retention, creativity, and culture. When people don’t feel seen or valued, business suffers.

Experts are franticly looking for an explanation so we can “fix” this loneliness epidemic.  Currently fingers point to technology and social media, widening income inequality, excessive individualism, lack of basic relationship skills, and less engagement in our communities.   Whatever the root cause (likely a combination of all these), as a leadership coach, what I’m hearing from growth-minded professionals is that: “the basics are missing.”  People aren’t saying hello.  Gratitude is assumed, not expressed.  Being vulnerable feels too risky and being curious requires too much effort.  If we’re keeping it real, most days, it feels like we’re all just trying to get through another day.

But there is good news: connection doesn’t require a big team offsite or a culture overhaul. It begins with the small stuff. Everyday words. Micro-behaviors that invite others in.  For those wanting to lead with more impact, this blog post offers six simple words and phrases that build connection…start here.

Each of these words and phrases is a small act of leadership. And they’re available to all of us, every day. Try picking one this week and notice what shifts in the relationships, moods, and performance for yourself and those around you.

1. “Good morning.” Saying “good morning” signals acknowledgment and presence. In fast-paced environments, people can feel invisible. A simple greeting can break that pattern and set a positive tone for the day.

Try this: Greet three people before 10am—on your way to your desk, joining a virtual call, or passing someone in the hallway. Don’t just say it—mean it. Look up, smile, and connect, even if just for a passing moment.

2. “Please.” A sincere “please” softens directives, signals respect, and shows you’re aware of others’ time and energy.  Workplace burnout is real, and “please” conveys warmth instead of entitlement, which strengthens connection and builds trust.

Try this: Next time you make a request—whether via email, messenger, or in person—add a thoughtful “please.” Please creates reciprocity, take note how tone changes and resistance lowers. 

3. “Thank you.” A heartfelt thank you can make someone’s day.  Appreciation isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. Research shows gratitude boosts well-being, strengthens relationships, and enhances performance.

Try this: Don’t wait for a project to finish. Say thank you for effort, follow-through, attitude, or insight. Bonus points for tailoring your gratitude to the recipient’s preferences (i.e. in a group setting vs privately or from a stage vs in writing).

4. “I made a mistake.” Mistakes are human; owning them is leadership.  Admitting our mistakes (and maybe needing to include an apology) is an act of humility that fosters trust and psychological safety—key ingredients for high-performing teams. 

Try this: The next time you slip up, name it. Not with self-deprecation or an excuse, but with sincerity. “I missed that. Thanks for catching it.” or “That one’s on me—I’ll fix it.” These moments build credibility and trust, not erode it.

5. “We / Us / Our.” Inclusive language (instead of I/Me/My) reinforces belonging. None of us have made it to this moment on our own, none of us.  This shift in language changes the focus from individual achievement to shared success—and reminds us, we’re not alone. 

Try this: In your next team meeting, swap “I think we should…” for “What if we…?” or “Our goal is…” Sharing credit and possibility shifts tone, and by removing excessive individualism it builds a collaborative culture.

6. “Tell me more…” Leading with curiosity deepens relationships and unlocks hidden potential.  Not only do we create conversation with this phrase, but in listening as they tell us more, we learn more.  “Tell me more” becomes a bridge of connection.

          Try this:  The next time a team member shares a fresh idea or recent experience, simply respond with, “tell me more” to improve communication, create connection, and reduce misunderstandings.      

If these seem simple—that’s the point. Connection doesn’t require a whole new system or personality. It starts with small shifts in language and intention. When we practice kindness consistently, we create cultures people want to be part of.

To be clear, these words and phrases are not tips or tricks, they are habits of relational leadership.  They’re how we make people feel safe, seen, and significant.  And when people feel that way? They do their best work.  Take this post as a nudge to choose connection, because when you elevate your leadership, business is better for everyone.

As a leadership coach, I coach growth-minded professionals to lead well, get recognized, and thrive. I publish a monthly newsletter and blog post and invite you to subscribe under my Contacts page.

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